Deutsche Börse is considering raising the cash element of its bid for rival Euronext which could increase the total offer to $10bn, sources close to the exchange said today. The potential rise comes amid calls from the German exchange's chief executive to judge consolidation on costs and not politics.

The Frankfurt-based stock and derivatives markets operator may add to its tabled offer by increasing the amount of cash in the deal as it attempts to secure the support of the exchange's shareholders, German newspaper Euro am Sonntag reports, citing unnamed sources at the exchange.