Deutsche Börse has said it is considering an acquisition of an alternative trading system to boost sales in its equities business, after the unit's revenues slumped 12% in the fourth quarter. The German exchange's admission follows the launch of a slew of alternative trading systems, such as Chi-X Europe and Turquoise, in recent years, which have successfully eroded the market share at the large exchanges.

Chief executive Reto Francioni told journalists in Frankfurt this morning that Deutsche is looking "in-depth" at whether it should buy or build an alternative trading system.