LME Draws Takeover Interest From Rivals After Nickel Crisis

The London Metal Exchange has attracted takeover interest from rivals as the historic institution wrestles with its future in the wake of March’s nickel crisis.

Intercontinental Exchange Inc. made an approach to buy the LME earlier this year from owner Hong Kong Exchanges & Clearing Ltd., according to people familiar with the matter. While ICE was rebuffed it may try again in the future, said the people, who asked not to be identified discussing private information. CME Group Inc. doesn’t believe the LME is for sale and is focusing on its own metals business, but it may be interested ...