Continuing with the M&A news in 2013, exchange operator CME Group Inc. (CME) was reported on Monday to have contacted German exchange operator Deutsche Boerse about a potential merger.

It is being reported by Bloomberg that CME contacted Deutsche Boerse in late 2012 about the potential merger; this was prior to Intercontinental Exchange’s (ICE) plan to acquire NYSE Euronext (NYX).

CME Group, a Chicago-based international exchange operator, and Deutsche Boerse, which runs a German-based international financial marketplace, have yet to enter formal discussions regarding the potential merger. No offer has been made and terms have yet to be discussed.

Analyst suspect that Deutsche Boerse, having failed with its bid to acquire NYSE Euronext, is hesitant to enter further merger talks.

CME Group shares were down slightly during pre-market trading on Monday. The stock is relatively flat over the past year.

The Bottom Line
Shares of CME Group (CME) have a dividend yield of 3.09% based on Friday’s closing price of $58.31 and the company’s annualized dividend payout of $1.80 per share.

CME Group Inc (CME) is not recommended at this time, holding a Dividend.com DARS™ Rating of 3.4 out of 5 stars.

Be sure to visit our complete recommended list of the Best Dividend Stocks, as well as a detailed explanation of our ratings system here.