Euronext N.V. is a pan-European stock exchange based in Paris with subsidiaries in Belgium, France, Netherlands, Luxembourg, Portugal and the United Kingdom.

In addition to equities and derivatives markets, the Euronext group provides clearing and information services.

Not too long ago, Euronext merged with NYSE Group to form NYSE Euronext, the 'first global stock exchange'.

Euronext was formed on September 22, 2000 in a merger of the Amsterdam Stock Exchange, Brussels Stock Exchange, and Paris Bourse.

In December 2001, Euronext acquired the shares of the London International Financial Futures and Options Exchange, which continues to operate under its own governance.

Image: A combo of two file pictures shows a giant Euronext sign displayed in front of the former Paris stock exchange premises and a flag flaunting in front of the German stock exchange Deutsche Boerse in Frankfurt. | Photograph: STF/AFP/Getty Images