Nordic and Baltic market operator OMX says it plans to outsource its external network operations and management of its data centres and has started negotiations with US telco Verizon.
In a short statement OMX says the move to outsource will strengthen its ability to "grow internationally with a full service offering".
"OMX will continue to be the prime contractor and offer a wide range of IT services to exchanges, clearing organizations and CSDs worldwide," says Markus Gerdien, president, market technology, OMX. "We are determined and sure that existing customers will benefit from this partnership on a global basis."
OMX says no binding commitments have been made by either party and its outsourcing plans are subject to negotiation of a final agreement. Financial details will be disclosed when a final agreement has been reached.
Earlier this week Borse Dubai said its recent book-building exercise - which resulted in it taking a 4.9% direct stake in OMX and options for a further 22.5% - does not constitute a public offer for the Swedish firm.
Borse Dubai - a holding company for the Dubai International Financial Exchange (DIFX) and the Dubai Financial Market (DFM) - confirmed last week that it was looking to purchase a 25% stake in OMX.
This prompted OMX merger partner Nasdaq to release a statement urging investors to spurn the offer from Dubai.