OMX said last month that it was looking to expand into Eastern Europe and was holding discussions with shareholders of exchanges in the region about possible acquisition opportunities.

In today's statement Stockholm-based OMX says it has made an offer to acquire all of the issued shares of the Ljubljana Stock Exchange for EUR125.19 per share.

Hans-Ole Jochumsen, president, information services and new markets, OMX, says acquiring the Ljubljana Stock Exchange is a great opportunity and OMX will enhance the efficiency, liquidity and visibility of the Slovenian capital market.

"This will in turn strengthen the Slovene domestic securities market and Ljubljana Stock Exchange’s regional role," says Jochumsen. "Our experience of developing the Nordic and Baltic market and providing technology to more than 60 exchanges in over 50 countries provide us with a strong platform from which to expand our business in Eastern Europe."

OMX says its offer, which has been presented to the shareholders and management Board of Ljubljana Stock Exchange, closes on 22 January 2007.