The chief executive of Atlanta-based Intercontinental Exchange said a "disappointing level of engagement" from his counterparts at the London Stock Exchange played its part in his company’s decision not to pursue a takeover of the UK group.

Jeffrey Sprecher, who is also ICE's chairman, made the comments on a first-quarter earnings call with analysts shortly after ICE confirmed it "has no current intention to make an offer for LSEG" - a move that could have scuppered the LSE's plans to merge with Germany's Deutsche Börse.