Reuters ahead on key details of Deutsche Boerse/NYSE Euronext deal talks

Deutsche Boerses proposed $10.2 billion acquisition of NYSE Euronext will create the worlds largest exchange operator, but the politically charged deal faces a long struggle to win approval from regulators. This is one of the most closely watched deals of the month, and Reuters was first with several important developments in the merger talks. Reuters was days ahead of competitors in reporting on Feb 9 that the board of the combined company would tilt in favor of the German exchange to reflect the ownership structure - a key point as politicians and regulators are sensitive to the takeover of their countrys exchange by a foreign party. The Wall Street Journal had been reporting an equal split of the board, and didnt have the real story until Feb 14. Bloomberg did not have that detail. On Feb 11, Reuters was alone in reporting that the boards of both exchanges were expected to meet on Feb 15 to give final approval to the deal, with important details such as the exact exchange ratio and premium yet to be decided. The Wall Street Journal ran a story on Feb 13 matching the Reuters report. Bloomberg did not report this.