Deutsche Boerse and NYSE Euronext , two of the world's largest exchange operators, said on Wednesday they were in advanced merger discussions, but no agreement had been reached.

The deal, if agreed, would give Deutsche Boerse shareholders 59 percent to 60 percent ownership, and NYSE Euronext shareholders 40 percent to 41 percent, the companies said in a joint statement.

(Reporting by Jonathan Spicer; Editing by Lisa Von Ahn)

NYSE Euronext