Nasdaq OMX, Markit and private equity firms are all eyeing up a potential acquisition of Interactive Data in a deal that could be worth more than $5 billion, including debt, according to the Wall Street Journal.
Citing sources, the Journal says Nasdaq OMX and Markit have both "expressed interest" in the market data outfit, which Silver Lake Group and Warburg Pincus bought for around $3.4 billion in 2010.
Last week it emerged that Interactive Data has filed confidential paperwork for a potential IPO as it seeks to reduce its debts of around $2 billion. However, Silver Lake and Warburg Pincus are pursuing a "dual-track" strategy that could see a straight sale pursued, according to the WSJ.