The London Stock Exchange (LSE) today retaliated over what it described as "unfounded rumours" circulating in the market regarding its business model and its chief executive.
The Exchange said it was a "thriving" business and defended the record of its chief executive, Ms Clara Furse, who took up her position on February 5th, 2001, becoming the first female chief executive in the Exchange's 200-year history.
In a statement the group said: "The Exchange is aware of a number of unfounded rumours circulating in the market, some of them libellous and deeply offensive, which appear designed to undermine its business and reputation".
A report in yesterday's Financial Mail on Sundaysaid rumours were being spread to undermine Ms Furse.
The LSE today said: "The Exchange under Clara Furse's leadership is light years ahead of where it was just a few years ago.
"The Exchange is thriving, its governance is sound and most importantly there are effective working relationships at board, chairman and senior executive level based on high professional and personal standards and trust".
It added: "Over the past two years, Clara has delivered a well-thought-through and well-executed strategy to widen the scope and scale of the business".
Ms Furse, a Canadian-born Dutchwoman, took over at the LSE following a year of turmoil at the Exchange. The chief executive post had been vacant for four months after former chief Mr Gavin Casey resigned following shareholder anger at the group's annual meeting.