The FINANCIAL -- The NASDAQ OMX Group, Inc. (Nasdaq:NDAQ) and BM&FBOVESPA announced on October 23 that the two companies have entered into non-binding memoranda of understanding on terms for a commercial partnership including trade order routing, distribution of products and services for public companies, and global distribution of market data.

Additionally, NASDAQ OMX and BM&F BOVESPA will continue discussions around cooperation on technology opportunities.

The parties have extended their current exclusivity agreement until December 31, 2009 in order to facilitate the negotiation of definitive agreements for the partnership.

The current partnership is comprised of the following:

 -- Development of an order routing system between the United
    States and Brazil, through which U.S. brokers connected to the
    system can enter orders to buy and sell stocks traded in the
    BM&FBOVESPA MegaBolsa system via introduction of a Brazilian
    broker, and for Brazilian brokers connected to the system to
    enter orders to buy and sell stocks traded in the NASDAQ Stock
    Market via introduction of a U.S. broker;

 -- Development of a commercial agreement for NASDAQ OMX to perform
    non-exclusive, international electronic distribution of market
    data related to the prices of stocks and financial assets
    traded on BM&FBOVESPA markets, and for the latter to perform
    non-exclusive distribution of market data related to the prices
    of stocks and financial assets traded on NASDAQ OMX markets,

 -- Development of a commercial agreement for BM&FBOVESPA to offer
    to Brazilian public companies products and services developed
    by NASDAQ OMX for support and facilitation of activities
    performed by these companies, including investor relations
    activities, structuring and assistance to boards of directors,
    communications with the market and market analysts.

 -- Discussions continue regarding opportunities for cooperation in
    technology.

Related Stories

• NASDAQ OMX Launches New Fixed Income Index
• NASDAQ OMX Stockholm and Valueguard Launch New Housing Price Index
• MAB offers financing for Growth Companies and diversification for investors