Takeover target ASX Group Ltd is set to lose its two-decade monopoly later this year after Australia's securities regulator on Thursday opened the door to competition from Nomura's Chi-X. Competition from electronic trading platforms like Chi-X has spurred a string of global exchange mergers, including Deutsche Boerse's bid for NYSE Euronext , London Stock Exchange's bid for Toronto Stock Exchange parent TMX Group Inc and Singapore Exchange's $7.7 billion bid for ASX. Mark Nathan, portfolio manager at Arnhem Investment Management, said the entry of offshore competitors strengthened ASX's case for the merger, which faces opposition from some local politicians fearing a loss of control over the bourse.
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