On 20 December 2007 Eurex completed the acquisition of the International Securities Exchange Holdings, Inc. (ISE). With the addition of ISE, the world’s largest equity options exchange, Eurex significantly expands its liquidity network into the U.S. and into U.S. Dollar products. On a combined basis, Eurex and ISE are the market leader in individual equity and equity index derivatives worldwide. Eurex and ISE members will benefit from access to highly liquid products that span multiple asset classes and currencies. The combination provides growth opportunities through the cross-selling of existing products and through the future development of innovative joint products.

The combined group is the leading transatlantic operator of derivatives marketplaces with powerful distribution capabilities in two of the world's most important capital markets. Its wide range of both USD and Euro denominated products is unique in the market: the combination is home to the Euro zone interest rate and equity index benchmark derivatives products and offers options on all major U.S. and European companies. Currently, ISE and Eurex distribute their products to approximately 560 direct exchange members.

Eurex acquired ISE for approximately USD 2.8 billion in cash, or USD 67.50 per share. Eurex’s two parent companies, Deutsche Börse AG and SWX Swiss Exchange, provided the necessary financing in line with the economic interests of 85 and 15 percent respectively that both companies have in Eurex.