Deutsche Börse, which was forced to drop a bid for the London Stock Exchange earlier this year, last night said it is seeking "open and intensive dialogue" on co-operation with rivals. It came as the exchange reported it had beaten last year's profits in nine months this year.

The exchange said in a statement: "Deutsche Börse Group is open to co-operations and other links to exchange organisations in all appropriate formats - in a national and an international context - when in the best interests of its customers and shareholders."