The proposal, which required approval by a majority of the outstanding shares, was approved at a special shareholders meeting held today in New York. Based on preliminary results, approximately 99% of the shares present at the special meeting voted for the approval of the combination, representing approximately 64% of NYSE Euronext's outstanding common shares. The proposals relating to executive compensation and adjournment were also approved with approximately 85% and 90%, respectively.

"We are grateful that our shareholders have overwhelmingly recognized the opportunity for long-term value creation and greater benefits for our customers by combining these two highly complementary businesses," said Jan-Michiel Hessels, Chairman of the Board of NYSE Euronext.

"Today is an important step toward completing this exciting combination, and ensuring the long-term success of the New York Stock Exchange group, Liffe, and our Euronext platform," said Duncan L. Niederauer, CEO of NYSE Euronext. "I would like to thank our shareholders for their deliberate consideration and engagement during the last six months, and we now look forward to working with our regulators to secure the remaining approvals required to complete the transaction in the second half of this year."

Completion of the combination is subject to approval by relevant competition and other regulatory authorities in the U.S. and Europe, as well as customary closing conditions. 

Separately, IntercontinentalExchange (NYSE: ICE), a leading operator of global markets and clearing houses, announced the results of the special meeting of stockholders today to approve ICE's acquisition of NYSE Euronext. ICE stockholders approved the agreement to acquire NYSE Euronext, with approximately 99.68% of the shares present at the special meeting voted for the approval of the combination, representing 85.05% of ICE's outstanding common shares. All other proposals passed with an average ge of 97% of the shares present at the special meeting voting for each of the governance-related proposals and the adjournment proposal.

"The overwhelming approval by our shareholders confirms our belief that the combined company will be even better positioned to serve customers by combining our respective areas of expertise to create value for our customers and shareholders," said ICE Chairman and CEO Jeffrey C. Sprecher.

ICE announced the proposed acquisition of NYSE Euronext on December 20, 2012 following unanimous approval by the companies' respective boards of directors. Completion of the combination is subject to approval by relevant competition and other regulatory authorities in the U.S. and Europe, as well as customary closing conditions.