NYSE Euronext to create joint venture combining BlueNext carbon-trading unit with US-based APX
By APTuesday, September 7, 2010
NYSE Euronext in joint venture on carbon trading
NEW YORK — NYSE Euronext said Tuesday it plans to combine its European carbon trading unit with a U.S. firm to expand its environmental energy business.
NYSE Blue will be a joint venture that combines BlueNext, NYSE’s Paris-based carbon credits spot market, with privately held APX Inc., which provides information, analytics and services to the energy and environmental markets.
The new exchange will expand globally, with a focus on North America and Asia.
NYSE Euronext will be the majority owner of NYSE Blue, while APX shareholders — which include Goldman Sachs Group Inc., MissionPoint Capital Partners, and Onset Ventures — will hold minority stakes.
NYSE Blue will provide trading platforms, registry services and other services for accessing carbon markets and managing portfolios. It will be led by CEO Brian Storms, who is currently Chairman and CEO of Santa Clara, Calif.-based APX.
The deal is subject to regulatory approvals and APX shareholder approval. It is expected to close by the end of the year.
In afternoon trading, shares of NYSE Euronext slipped 69 cents, or 2.3 percent, to $29.25. The stock has traded between $22.30 and $34.82 in the past 52 weeks.
