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As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on December 22, 2014

Registration No. 333-199429

 

UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549



AMENDMENT NO. 2
TO

FORM S-4
REGISTRATION STATEMENT
UNDER
THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933

CME GROUP INC.
(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Its Charter)



Delaware
(State of Incorporation)
  6200
(Primary Standard Industrial
Classification Code Number)
  36-4459170
(IRS Employer
Identification No.)

20 South Wacker Drive
Chicago, Illinois 60606
Telephone: (312) 930-1000

(Address, including Zip Code, and Telephone Number, Including Area Code, of Registrant's Principal Executive Offices)



Kathleen M. Cronin
General Counsel
CME Group Inc.
20 South Wacker Drive
Chicago, Illinois 60606
(312) 930-1000
(Name, Address, including Zip Code, and Telephone Number, including Area Code, of Agent for Service)



Rodd M. Schreiber, Esq.
Richard C. Witzel, Jr., Esq.
Skadden, Arps, Slate,
Meagher & Flom LLP
155 North Wacker Drive,
Chicago, Illinois 60606
(310) 407-0700
  Christopher D'Antuono, Esq.
General Counsel
GFI Group Inc.
55 Water Street,
New York, New York 10041
(212) 968-4100
  Morton A. Pierce, Esq.
Bryan J. Luchs, Esq.
White & Case LLP
1155 Avenue of the Americas
New York, New York
10036-2787
(212) 819-8200
  Jeffrey R. Poss, Esq.
Michael A. Schwartz, Esq.
Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP
787 Seventh Avenue
New York, New York 10019
(212) 728-8000



Approximate date of commencement of proposed sale of the securities to the public:
As soon as practicable after this registration statement is declared effective.

          If the securities being registered on this form are being offered in connection with the formation of a holding company and there is compliance with General Instruction G, please check the following box.    o

          If this form is filed to register additional securities for an offering pursuant to Rule 462(b) under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act"), check the following box and list the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement for the same offering.    o

          If this form is a post-effective amendment filed pursuant to Rule 462(d) under the Securities Act, check the following box and list the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement for the same offering.    o

          Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of "large accelerated filer," "accelerated filer" and "smaller reporting company" in Rule 12b-2 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. (Check one):

Large accelerated filer ý   Accelerated filer o   Non-accelerated filer o
(Do not check if a
smaller reporting company)
  Smaller reporting company o



          The registrant hereby amends this registration statement on such date or dates as may be necessary to delay its effective date until the registrant shall file a further amendment which specifically states that this registration statement shall thereafter become effective in accordance with section 8(a) of the Securities Act or until the registration statement shall become effective on such date as the Securities and Exchange Commission, acting pursuant to said section 8(a), may determine.

   


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The information in this proxy statement/prospectus is not complete and may be changed. CME Group Inc. may not sell the securities offered by this proxy statement/prospectus until the registration statement filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission is effective. This proxy statement/prospectus is not an offer to sell these securities and CME Group Inc. is not soliciting an offer to buy these securities in any jurisdiction where the offer or sale is not permitted.

PRELIMINARY—SUBJECT TO COMPLETION, DATED DECEMBER 22, 2014

LOGO

GFI GROUP INC.
MERGER PROPOSED—YOUR VOTE IS VERY IMPORTANT



[                        ], 2014

Dear Stockholders:

        We cordially invite you to attend a special meeting of stockholders of GFI Group Inc., a Delaware corporation ("GFI," "we," "our" or "us," and our stockholders, "GFI Stockholders"), to be held on [                   ], 2015, at [            ] Eastern Standard Time, at [                        ] (the "Special Meeting").

        At the Special Meeting, holders of our common stock, par value $0.01 per share ("GFI Common Stock"), will be asked to consider and vote upon a proposal to approve an Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of July 30, 2014 and amended as of December 2, 2014, by and among GFI, CME Group Inc., a Delaware corporation ("CME"), Commodore Acquisition Corp., a Delaware corporation and a wholly-owned subsidiary of CME, and Commodore Acquisition LLC, a Delaware limited liability company and a wholly-owned subsidiary of CME ("Merger Sub 2") (as it may be amended from time to time, the "GFI Merger Agreement"), providing for a merger in which GFI will become a wholly-owned subsidiary of CME (the "GFI Merger"). At the Special Meeting, you will be asked to consider and vote upon a proposal to adopt the GFI Merger Agreement (the "GFI Merger Proposal").

        If the GFI Merger contemplated by the GFI Merger Agreement is completed, you will be entitled to receive for each share of GFI Common Stock, at your election and subject to proration as described herein, (i) cash consideration equal to $5.25 per share (without interest) or (ii) stock consideration in the form of a fraction of a share of Class A common stock, par value $0.01 per share, of CME ("CME Class A Common Stock"), equal to the exchange ratio set forth in the GFI Merger Agreement (the "Exchange Ratio"). The Exchange Ratio is a fraction, the numerator of which is the offer price of $5.25 per share of GFI Common Stock and the denominator of which equals the average closing sales price of CME Class A Common Stock as reported on the NASDAQ Global Select Market ("NASDAQ") for the ten trading days ending upon and including the trading day immediately before the closing date of the GFI Merger. All cash elections are subject to proration as provided in the GFI Merger Agreement to account for the maximum available cash consideration of $89 million, which is approximately 13% of the total consideration. If the cash elections exceed this amount, CME may elect to further increase the available cash consideration to limit the proration effect. The shares of CME Class A Common Stock are traded on NASDAQ under the trading symbol "CME" and we encourage you to obtain quotes for CME Class A Common Stock, given that the merger consideration of GFI Common Stock may be payable in shares of CME Class A Common Stock equal to the Exchange Ratio. The closing price per share of CME Class A Common Stock on December 19, 2014 was $92.36.

        In connection with the GFI Merger, our board of directors (the "GFI Board") formed a special committee of independent directors (the "Special Committee") to consider and negotiate the terms and conditions of the GFI Merger and to make a recommendation to the GFI Board. The GFI Board (other than Messrs. Gooch and Heffron, who abstained from the votes of the GFI Board, which resulted in the remaining members of the GFI Board being comprised solely of the members of the Special Committee), after receiving the unanimous recommendation of the Special Committee, has unanimously (i) determined that the GFI Merger Agreement and the GFI Merger are advisable, fair to, and in the best interests of GFI and its stockholders, (ii) approved, adopted and declared advisable the GFI Merger Agreement and the GFI Merger and (iii) resolved to recommend the adoption of the


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GFI Merger Agreement and the approval of the GFI Merger to GFI Stockholders at the Special Meeting. The GFI Board (other than Messrs. Gooch and Heffron, who abstained from the votes of the GFI Board, which resulted in the remaining members of the GFI Board being comprised solely of the members of the Special Committee), acting upon the unanimous determination of the Special Committee, unanimously recommends that GFI Stockholders vote "FOR" the GFI Merger Proposal.

        In considering the recommendation of the Special Committee and the GFI Board, you should be aware that Mr. Gooch, the executive chairman of the GFI Board, and Mr. Heffron, a member of the GFI Board and our chief executive officer, have certain interests in the GFI Merger and the related transactions that are different from, and in addition to, the interests of GFI Stockholders generally. Jersey Partners Inc., a New York corporation controlled by Mr. Gooch ("JPI"), is a party to an Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of July 30, 2014 and amended as of December 2, 2014, by and among CME, Cheetah Acquisition Corp., a Delaware corporation and a wholly-owned subsidiary of CME, Cheetah Acquisition LLC, a Delaware limited liability company and a wholly-owned subsidiary of CME, New JPI Inc., a Delaware corporation formed by certain stockholders of JPI ("New JPI"), and stockholders of JPI and New JPI (including Messrs. Gooch and Heffron) (the "JPI Merger Agreement" and the transactions related thereto, the "JPI Merger"), pursuant to which New JPI, the resultant beneficial owner of all GFI Common Stock held by JPI after giving effect to a reorganization, will become a wholly-owned subsidiary of CME in exchange for shares of CME Class A Common Stock equal to the merger consideration that otherwise would be payable in the GFI Merger for the shares of GFI Common Stock owned by New JPI as stock election shares, provided that, to the extent all of the available cash consideration in the GFI Merger has not been allocated, up to 13% of the total JPI merger consideration shall be paid in cash. The purpose of the JPI Merger Agreement is to provide New JPI's stockholders the same tax-free consideration they would receive in the GFI Merger if they held the GFI Common Stock owned by New JPI directly as GFI Stockholders, subject to any portion of the JPI merger consideration that becomes payable in cash as described above. In connection with the transactions contemplated by the GFI Merger Agreement and the JPI Merger Agreement, Merger Sub 2, GFI Brokers Holdco Ltd., a Bermuda limited company ("IDB Buyer"), JPI (solely for purposes of Article IX therein), New JPI (solely for purposes of Article IX therein) and CME (solely for purposes of Article IX therein) entered into a Purchase Agreement, dated as of July 30, 2014 and amended as of December 2, 2014 (the "IDB Purchase Agreement" and the transactions related thereto, the "IDB Transaction"), pursuant to which IDB Buyer, a private consortium of GFI management, led by Mr. Gooch and certain other members of GFI management (including Mr. Heffron), will purchase from Merger Sub 2, and Merger Sub 2 will sell, transfer and assign to IDB Buyer, all of Merger Sub 2's right, title and interest in and to all of the issued and outstanding securities of the subsidiaries of GFI that, after giving effect to an internal reorganization contemplated by the GFI Merger Agreement, will own and operate GFI's interdealer brokerage business. The closing of the GFI Merger is subject to, and dependent upon, the closing of the JPI Merger and the IDB Transaction. In connection with the execution and delivery of the GFI Merger Agreement, JPI, New JPI and Messrs. Gooch, Heffron and Brown, a member of GFI management (the "GFI Supporting Stockholders"), as beneficial owners of GFI Common Stock, also entered into a support agreement, dated as of July 30, 2014, with CME (the "GFI Support Agreement"). The shares of GFI Common Stock subject to the GFI Support Agreement constituted approximately 37.8% of the total issued and outstanding shares of GFI Common Stock as of December 2, 2014. Under the GFI Support Agreement, the GFI Supporting Stockholders agreed to vote or cause to be voted their shares in favor of adoption of the GFI Merger Agreement and the related transactions.

        In considering the unanimous recommendation of the Special Committee and the GFI Board you should be aware that the other directors and executive officers of GFI have certain other interests in the GFI Merger that are different from, and in addition to, the interests of our stockholders generally. The accompanying proxy statement/prospectus includes additional information regarding these additional interests.

        In addition, at the Special Meeting you also will be asked to approve, by non-binding, advisory vote, certain compensation arrangements for GFI's named executive officers in connection with the


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GFI Merger and the related transactions contemplated by the GFI Merger Agreement (the "'Golden Parachute' Compensation Proposal") and to approve adjournments of the Special Meeting, if necessary or appropriate, to solicit additional proxies if there are insufficient votes at the time of the Special Meeting to adopt the GFI Merger Agreement (the "Adjournment Proposal"). Such compensation arrangements will be assumed by IDB Buyer in connection with the IDB Transaction and accordingly any amounts owed under such compensation arrangements will be payable by, and be liabilities of, IDB Buyer following the closing of the GFI Merger.

        The enclosed proxy statement/prospectus describes the GFI Merger Agreement, the GFI Merger and related transactions and provides specific information concerning the Special Meeting. In addition, you may obtain information about us from documents filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC").

        We urge you to, and you should, read the entire proxy statement/prospectus carefully, including the annexes, as it sets forth the details of the GFI Merger Agreement and other important information related to the GFI Merger.

        Your vote is very important, regardless of the number of shares you own. The GFI Merger cannot be completed unless (i) the holders of at least 662/3% of the shares of GFI Common Stock cast at the Special Meeting vote to adopt the GFI Merger Agreement (provided that such affirmative vote represents at least a majority of the outstanding shares of GFI Common Stock) and (ii) the holders of a majority of the outstanding shares of GFI Common Stock (excluding shares owned by (a) the GFI Supporting Stockholders, (b) the other stockholders of JPI and New JPI, (c) the officers and directors of GFI or (d) any other person having any equity rights in, or any right to acquire any equity rights in (x) JPI, New JPI or any of their respective affiliates (other than GFI) or subsidiaries or (y) IDB Buyer or any of its affiliates (other than GFI) or subsidiaries) vote to adopt the GFI Merger Agreement. A failure to vote or an abstention will have the same effect as a vote "AGAINST" the GFI Merger Proposal.

        Even if you plan to attend the Special Meeting in person, GFI requests that you complete, sign, date and return, as promptly as possible, the enclosed proxy card in the accompanying prepaid reply envelope or submit your proxy by telephone or the Internet prior to the Special Meeting to ensure that your shares of GFI Common Stock will be represented at the Special Meeting if you are unable to attend. If you hold your shares in "street name" through a bank, brokerage firm or other nominee, you should follow the procedures provided by your bank, brokerage firm or other nominee to vote your shares or make an election.

        YOUR PROXY IS BEING SOLICITED BY THE GFI BOARD. AFTER CAREFUL CONSIDERATION AND UPON THE UNANIMOUS RECOMMENDATION OF THE SPECIAL COMMITTEE, THE GFI BOARD (OTHER THAN MESSRS. GOOCH AND HEFFRON, WHO ABSTAINED FROM THE VOTES OF THE GFI BOARD, WHICH RESULTED IN THE REMAINING MEMBERS OF THE GFI BOARD BEING COMPRISED SOLELY OF THE MEMBERS OF THE SPECIAL COMMITTEE) HAS UNANIMOUSLY (I) DETERMINED THAT THE GFI MERGER AGREEMENT AND THE GFI MERGER ARE ADVISABLE, FAIR TO AND IN THE BEST INTERESTS OF GFI AND ITS STOCKHOLDERS, (II) APPROVED, ADOPTED AND DECLARED ADVISABLE THE GFI MERGER AGREEMENT AND THE GFI MERGER AND (III) RESOLVED TO RECOMMEND THE ADOPTION OF THE GFI MERGER AGREEMENT AND THE APPROVAL OF THE GFI MERGER BY GFI STOCKHOLDERS. THE GFI BOARD (OTHER THAN MESSRS. GOOCH AND HEFFRON, WHO ABSTAINED FROM THE VOTES OF THE GFI BOARD, WHICH RESULTED IN THE REMAINING MEMBERS OF THE GFI BOARD BEING COMPRISED SOLELY OF THE MEMBERS OF THE SPECIAL COMMITTEE), ACTING UPON THE UNANIMOUS RECOMMENDATION OF THE SPECIAL COMMITTEE, UNANIMOUSLY RECOMMENDS THAT YOU VOTE "FOR" THE GFI MERGER PROPOSAL, "FOR" THE "GOLDEN PARACHUTE" COMPENSATION PROPOSAL AND "FOR" THE ADJOURNMENT PROPOSAL. THE GFI BOARD MADE ITS DETERMINATION AFTER CONSULTATION WITH ITS LEGAL AND FINANCIAL ADVISORS AND AFTER CONSIDERING A NUMBER OF FACTORS.


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        In particular, we urge you to read carefully the section entitled "Risk Factors" beginning on page 46 of the accompanying proxy statement/prospectus. If you have any questions regarding the accompanying proxy statement/prospectus, or about the process for making an election, you may call MacKenzie Partners, Inc., GFI's proxy solicitor, by calling toll-free at (800) 322-2885.

        We urge you to read carefully and in its entirety the accompanying proxy statement/prospectus, including the annexes and the documents incorporated by reference.

        On behalf of the GFI Board, thank you for your consideration and continued support.

    Sincerely,

 

 


LOGO

Christopher D'Antuono
General Counsel & Corporate Secretary

        NEITHER THE SEC NOR ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION HAS APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED THE GFI MERGER OR OTHER TRANSACTIONS DESCRIBED IN THE ATTACHED PROXY STATEMENT/PROSPECTUS OR THE SECURITIES TO BE ISSUED PURSUANT TO THE GFI MERGER UNDER THE ATTACHED PROXY STATEMENT/PROSPECTUS NOR HAVE THEY DETERMINED IF THE ATTACHED PROXY STATEMENT/PROSPECTUS IS ACCURATE OR ADEQUATE. ANY REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY IS A CRIMINAL OFFENSE.

        The accompanying proxy statement/prospectus is dated [                        ], 2014 and is first being mailed to GFI Stockholders on or about [                        ], 2014.


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LOGO

GFI GROUP INC.
55 Water Street
New York, NY 10041
NOTICE OF SPECIAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS

Dear Stockholder:

        You are cordially invited to attend a special meeting of the stockholders of GFI Group Inc. ("GFI," "we," "our" or "us" and our stockholders, "GFI Stockholders") to be held on [                   ], 2015, at [            ] Eastern Standard Time, at [                        ] (the "Special Meeting"), to consider and vote upon the following matters:

        The record date for the Special Meeting is December 1, 2014. Only stockholders of record as of the close of business on December 1, 2014 are entitled to notice of, and to vote at, the Special Meeting. All stockholders of record as of that date are cordially invited to attend the Special Meeting in person.

        Your proxy is being solicited by our board of directors (the "GFI Board"). After careful consideration and acting upon the unanimous recommendation of the special committee of independent directors (the "Special Committee") formed by the GFI Board to consider and negotiate the terms and conditions of the GFI Merger and to make a recommendation to the GFI Board, the GFI Board (other than Messrs. Gooch and Heffron, who abstained from the votes of the GFI Board, which resulted in the remaining members of the GFI Board being comprised solely of the members of the Special Committee) has unanimously (i) determined that the GFI Merger Agreement and the GFI Merger are advisable, fair to, and in the best interests of GFI and its stockholders; (ii) approved, adopted and declared advisable the GFI Merger Agreement and the GFI Merger and (iii) resolved to recommend the adoption of the GFI Merger Agreement and the approval of the GFI Merger to GFI Stockholders at the Special Meeting. The GFI Board (other than Messrs. Gooch and Heffron, who abstained from the votes of the GFI Board, which resulted in the remaining members of the GFI Board being comprised solely of the members of the Special Committee), acting upon the unanimous


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recommendation of the Special Committee, unanimously recommends that you vote "FOR" the GFI Merger Proposal, "FOR" the "Golden Parachute" Compensation Proposal and "FOR" the Adjournment Proposal. The GFI Board made its determination after consultation with its legal and financial advisors and after considering a number of factors.

        In considering the recommendation of the Special Committee and the GFI Board, you should be aware that Mr. Gooch, the executive chairman of the GFI Board, and Mr. Heffron, a member of the GFI Board and our chief executive officer, have certain interests in the GFI Merger and the related transactions that are different from, and in addition to, the interests of GFI Stockholders generally. Jersey Partners Inc., a New York corporation controlled by Mr. Gooch ("JPI"), is a party to an Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of July 30, 2014 and amended as of December 2, 2014, by and among CME, Cheetah Acquisition Corp., a Delaware corporation and a wholly-owned subsidiary of CME, Cheetah Acquisition LLC, a Delaware limited liability company and a wholly-owned subsidiary of CME, New JPI Inc., a Delaware corporation formed by certain stockholders of JPI ("New JPI"), and stockholders of JPI and New JPI (including Messrs. Gooch and Heffron) (the "JPI Merger Agreement" and the transactions related thereto, the "JPI Merger"), pursuant to which New JPI, the resultant beneficial owner of all GFI Common Stock held by JPI after giving effect to a reorganization, will become a wholly-owned subsidiary of CME in exchange for shares of CME Class A Common Stock equal to the merger consideration that otherwise would be payable in the GFI Merger for the shares of GFI Common Stock owned by New JPI as stock election shares, provided that, to the extent all of the available cash consideration in the GFI Merger has not been allocated, up to 13% of the total JPI merger consideration shall be paid in cash. The purpose of the JPI Merger Agreement is to provide New JPI's stockholders the same tax-free consideration they would receive in the GFI Merger if they held the GFI Common Stock owned by New JPI directly as GFI Stockholders, subject to any portion of the JPI merger consideration that becomes payable in cash as described above. In connection with the transactions contemplated by the GFI Merger Agreement and the JPI Merger Agreement, Merger Sub 2, GFI Brokers Holdco Ltd., a Bermuda limited company ("IDB Buyer"), JPI (solely for purposes of Article IX therein), New JPI (solely for purposes of Article IX therein) and CME (solely for purposes of Article IX therein) entered into a Purchase Agreement, dated as of July 30, 2014 and amended as of December 2, 2014 (the "IDB Purchase Agreement" and the transactions related thereto, the "IDB Transaction"), pursuant to which IDB Buyer, a private consortium of GFI management, led by Mr. Gooch and certain other members of GFI management (including Mr. Heffron), will purchase from Merger Sub 2, and Merger Sub 2 will sell, transfer and assign to IDB Buyer, all of Merger Sub 2's right, title and interest in and to all of the issued and outstanding securities of the subsidiaries of GFI that, after giving effect to an internal reorganization contemplated by the GFI Merger Agreement, will own and operate GFI's interdealer brokerage business. The closing of the GFI Merger is subject to, and dependent upon, the closing of the JPI Merger and the IDB Transaction, and the Special Committee and the GFI Board have not made any recommendation with regard to such transactions. In connection with the execution and delivery of the GFI Merger Agreement, JPI, New JPI and Messrs. Gooch, Heffron and Brown, a member of GFI management (the "GFI Supporting Stockholders"), as beneficial owners of GFI Common Stock, also entered into a support agreement, dated as of July 30, 2014, with CME (the "GFI Support Agreement"). The shares of GFI Common Stock subject to the GFI Support Agreement constituted approximately 37.8% of the total issued and outstanding shares of GFI Common Stock as of December 2, 2014. Under the GFI Support Agreement, the GFI Supporting Stockholders agreed to vote or cause to be voted their shares in favor of adoption of the GFI Merger Agreement and the related transactions.

        In considering the unanimous recommendation of the Special Committee and the GFI Board you should be aware that the other directors and executive officers of GFI have certain other interests in the GFI Merger and the related transactions that are different from, and in addition to, the interests of our stockholders generally. The accompanying proxy statement/prospectus includes additional information regarding interests of Messrs. Gooch and Heffron and other directors and executive officers of GFI that are different from, and in addition to, the interests of our stockholders generally.


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        Your vote is very important, regardless of the number of shares you own. The GFI Merger cannot be completed unless (i) the holders of at least 662/3% of the shares of GFI Common Stock cast at the Special Meeting vote to adopt the GFI Merger Agreement (provided that such affirmative vote represents at least a majority of the outstanding shares of GFI Common Stock) and (ii) the holders of a majority of the outstanding shares of GFI Common Stock (excluding shares owned by (a) the GFI Supporting Stockholders, (b) the other stockholders of JPI and New JPI, (c) the officers and directors of GFI or (d) any other person having any equity rights in, or any right to acquire any equity rights in (x) JPI, New JPI or any of their respective affiliates (other than GFI) or subsidiaries or (y) IDB Buyer or any of its affiliates (other than GFI) or subsidiaries) vote to adopt the GFI Merger Agreement.

        Even if you plan to attend the Special Meeting in person, GFI requests that you complete, sign, date and return, as promptly as possible, the enclosed proxy card in the accompanying prepaid reply envelope or submit your proxy by telephone or the Internet prior to the Special Meeting to ensure that your shares of GFI Common Stock will be represented at the Special Meeting if you are unable to attend. If you hold your shares in "street name" through a bank, brokerage firm or other nominee, you should follow the procedures provided by your bank, brokerage firm or other nominee to vote your shares or make an election. If you fail to submit a proxy or to attend the Special Meeting in person or do not provide your bank, brokerage firm or other nominee with instructions as to how to vote your shares, as applicable, your shares of GFI Common Stock will not be counted for purposes of determining whether a quorum is present at the Special Meeting and will have the same effect as a vote "AGAINST" the GFI Merger Proposal.

        To gain admittance to the Special Meeting, please detach and retain the admission ticket attached to your proxy card. If your shares of GFI Common Stock are held through a bank, brokerage firm or other nominee, please bring evidence that you own GFI Common Stock to the Special Meeting and we will provide you with an admission ticket. If you received your special meeting materials electronically and wish to attend the meeting, please follow the instructions provided for attendance. A form of government-issued photo ID will be required to enter the Special Meeting.

        WHETHER OR NOT YOU PLAN TO ATTEND THE SPECIAL MEETING, PLEASE COMPLETE, DATE, SIGN AND RETURN, AS PROMPTLY AS POSSIBLE, THE ENCLOSED PROXY CARD IN THE ACCOMPANYING PREPAID REPLY ENVELOPE, OR SUBMIT YOUR PROXY BY TELEPHONE OR THE INTERNET. IF YOU ATTEND THE SPECIAL MEETING AND VOTE IN PERSON, YOUR VOTE BY BALLOT WILL REVOKE ANY PROXY PREVIOUSLY SUBMITTED.

    By Order of the Board of Directors,

 

 


LOGO

Christopher D'Antuono
General Counsel & Corporate Secretary

New York, New York

Dated: [                        ], 2014


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REFERENCES TO ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

        This proxy statement/prospectus incorporates important business and financial information about GFI and CME, respectively, from other documents that GFI and CME have filed with the SEC and that are contained in or incorporated by reference into this proxy statement/prospectus. For a listing of documents incorporated by reference into this proxy statement/prospectus, see the section entitled "Where You Can Find More Information" beginning on page [    ] of this proxy statement/prospectus. This information is available for you to review at the SEC's public reference room located at 100 F Street, N.E., Room 1580, Washington, D.C. 20549, and through the SEC's website at www.sec.gov.

        You may request copies of this proxy statement/prospectus and any of the documents incorporated by reference into this proxy statement/prospectus or other information concerning GFI, without charge, by written request to Investor Relations, GFI Group Inc., 55 Water Street, New York, NY 10041, or by telephone request at (212) 968-2992; or MacKenzie Partners, Inc., GFI's proxy solicitor, by calling toll-free at (800) 322-2885, or from the SEC through the SEC website at the address provided above.

        You may also request a copy of this proxy statement/prospectus and any of the documents incorporated by reference into this proxy statement/prospectus or other information concerning CME, without charge, by written request directed to CME, Attention: General Counsel, CME Group Inc., 20 South Wacker Drive, Chicago, IL 60606, or by telephone request at (312) 930-1000; or from the SEC through the SEC website at the address provided above.

        In order for you to receive timely delivery of the documents in advance of the Special Meeting of GFI Stockholders to be held on [                  ], 2015, you must request the information no later than five business days prior to the date of the Special Meeting, by [                  ], 2015.


ABOUT THIS PROXY STATEMENT/PROSPECTUS

        This document, which forms part of a registration statement on Form S-4 filed with the SEC by CME (File No. 333-199429), constitutes a prospectus of CME under Section 5 of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, with respect to the shares of CME Class A Common Stock to be issued to GFI Stockholders pursuant to the GFI Merger Agreement. This document also constitutes a proxy statement/prospectus of GFI under Section 14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. It also constitutes a notice of meeting with respect to the Special Meeting, at which GFI Stockholders will be asked to consider and vote upon the adoption of the GFI Merger Agreement.

        CME has supplied all information contained or incorporated by reference into this proxy statement/prospectus relating to CME, and GFI has supplied all such information relating to GFI.

        You should rely only on the information contained in or incorporated by reference into this proxy statement/prospectus. CME and GFI have not authorized anyone to provide you with information that is different from that contained in or incorporated by reference into this proxy statement/prospectus. This proxy statement/prospectus is dated [                      ], 2014, and you should not assume that the information contained in this proxy statement/prospectus is accurate as of any date other than such date. Further, you should not assume that the information incorporated by reference into this proxy statement/prospectus is accurate as of any date other than the date of the incorporated document. Neither the mailing of this proxy statement/prospectus to GFI Stockholders nor the issuance by CME of CME Class A Common Stock pursuant to the GFI Merger Agreement will create any implication to the contrary.


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  Page  

QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

    1  

SUMMARY

    16  

SELECTED HISTORICAL CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL DATA OF CME

    36  

SELECTED HISTORICAL CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL DATA OF GFI

    37  

COMPARATIVE HISTORICAL AND UNAUDITED PRO FORMA PER SHARE DATA

    41  

COMPARATIVE PER SHARE MARKET PRICE AND DIVIDEND INFORMATION

    43  

CAUTIONARY STATEMENT REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

    44  

RISK FACTORS

    46  

Risk Factors Relating to the GFI Merger

    46  

Risk Factors Relating to CME Following the GFI Merger

    53  

Other Risk Factors

    53  

INFORMATION ABOUT THE SPECIAL MEETING

    54  

Time, Place and Purpose of the Special Meeting

    54  

Record Date and Quorum

    54  

Attendance

    54  

Vote Required

    55  

Voting by Directors and Executive Officers of GFI

    56  

Proxies and Revocations

    56  

Adjournments and Postponements

    57  

Anticipated Date of Completion of the GFI Merger

    57  

Solicitation of Proxies; Payment of Solicitation Expenses

    57  

Questions and Additional Information

    57  

THE COMPANIES

    58  

GFI Group Inc. 

    58  

CME Group Inc. 

    58  

Commodore Acquisition Corp. 

    58  

Commodore Acquisition LLC

    59  

THE GFI MERGER

    60  

Background of the GFI Merger

    60  

Effect of the GFI Merger; Consideration to be Received in the GFI Merger; Treatment of RSUs and Stock Options

    83  

Recommendation of the Special Committee and the GFI Board; Reasons for the GFI Merger

    86  

Opinion of Special Committee's Financial Advisor

    92  

Certain Forecasts

    104  

CME's Reasons for the GFI Merger

    106  

Ownership of CME Following the GFI Merger

    106  

Interests of GFI Directors and Executive Officers in the GFI Merger

    107  

Quantification of Payments and Benefits to GFI's Named Executive Officers

    110  

Board of Directors and Management Following the GFI Merger

    111  

United States Federal Income Tax Consequences of the GFI Merger

    111  

Regulatory Matters

    114  

Accounting Treatment

    115  

Listing of CME Class A Common Stock

    115  

Delisting and Deregistration of GFI Common Stock

    115  

No Appraisal Rights

    116  

Restrictions on Sales of Shares of CME Class A Common Stock Received in the GFI Merger

    116  

Litigation Related to the GFI Merger

    116  

THE GFI MERGER AGREEMENT

    118  

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  Page  

JPI MERGER AGREEMENT

    142  

IDB PURCHASE AGREEMENT

    146  

THE GFI SUPPORT AGREEMENT

    162  

ADVISORY VOTE ON GFI MERGER-RELATED COMPENSATION FOR GFI'S NAMED EXECUTIVE OFFICERS

    164  

ADJOURNMENT OF THE SPECIAL MEETING TO SOLICIT ADDITIONAL PROXIES

    165  

CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS OF GFI COMMON STOCK

    166  

Security Ownership of Directors and Named Executive Officers

    166  

COMPARISON OF STOCKHOLDERS' RIGHTS

    168  

FUTURE GFI STOCKHOLDER PROPOSALS

    179  

NO APPRAISAL RIGHTS

    180  

LEGAL MATTERS

    181  

EXPERTS

    182  

HOUSEHOLDING OF PROXY MATERIALS

    183  

WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION

    184  

PART II: INFORMATION NOT REQUIRED IN PROSPECTUS

    II-1  

EXHIBIT INDEX

    II-8  

 

ANNEX        

Annex A

 


 

Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of July 30, 2014 and amended as of December 2, 2014, by and among GFI Group Inc., CME Group Inc., Commodore Acquisition Corp. and Commodore Acquisition LLC
Annex B     Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of July 30, 2014 and amended as of December 2, 2014, by and among CME Group Inc., Cheetah Acquisition Corp., Cheetah Acquisition LLC, Jersey Partners Inc., New JPI Inc. and the other individual signatories thereto
Annex C     Purchase Agreement, dated as of July 30, 2014 and amended as of December 2, 2014, by and among Commodore Acquisition LLC, GFI Brokers Holdco Ltd., CME Group Inc., Jersey Partners Inc., and New JPI Inc.
Annex D     Amended and Restated Commitment Letter, dated as of December 2, 2014, by and between Jefferies Finance LLC and GFI Holdco Inc.
Annex E     Support Agreement, dated as of July 30, 2014, by and among CME Group Inc., Jersey Partners Inc., New JPI Inc., and the other signatories thereto
Annex F     Opinion of Greenhill & Co., LLC, dated as of December 1, 2014

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QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

        The following questions and answers are intended to briefly address some commonly asked questions regarding the GFI Merger Agreement, the GFI Merger and the related transactions, and the Special Meeting. These questions and answers may not address all questions that may be important to you as a stockholder of GFI, which is referred to as a GFI Stockholder in this proxy statement/prospectus. Please refer to the section entitled "Summary" beginning on page [    ] of this proxy statement/prospectus and the more detailed information contained elsewhere in this proxy statement/prospectus, the annexes to this proxy statement/prospectus and the documents referred to in this proxy statement/prospectus, which you should read carefully and in their entirety. You may obtain the information incorporated by reference into this proxy statement/prospectus without charge by following the instructions under the section entitled "Where You Can Find More Information" beginning on page [    ] of this proxy statement/prospectus.

        All references in this proxy statement/prospectus to "GFI" refer to GFI Group Inc., a Delaware corporation; all references in this proxy statement/prospectus to "CME" refer to CME Group Inc., a Delaware corporation; all references in this proxy statement/prospectus to "Merger Sub 1" refer to Commodore Acquisition Corp., a Delaware corporation and a wholly-owned subsidiary of CME; all references in this proxy statement/prospectus to "Merger Sub 2" refer to Commodore Acquisition LLC, a Delaware limited liability company and a wholly-owned subsidiary of CME; all references in this proxy statement/prospectus to the "GFI Merger Agreement" refer to the Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of July 30, 2014 and amended as of December 2, 2014, by and among GFI, CME, Merger Sub 1 and Merger Sub 2; all references in this proxy statement/prospectus to the "GFI Merger" refer to the merger of Merger Sub 1 with and into GFI; all references to "JPI" refer to Jersey Partners Inc., a New York corporation; all references to "New JPI" refer to New JPI Inc., a Delaware corporation; and all references to "IDB Buyer" refer to GFI Brokers Holdco Ltd., a Bermuda limited company.

Q:
Why am I receiving this proxy statement/prospectus and proxy card?

A:
GFI has agreed to combine with CME under the terms of the GFI Merger Agreement that are described in this proxy statement/prospectus. If the GFI Merger Agreement is adopted by GFI Stockholders and the other conditions to closing under the GFI Merger Agreement are satisfied or waived, Merger Sub 1 will merge with and into GFI. Immediately following the GFI Merger, GFI as the surviving corporation will merge with and into Merger Sub 2, which is referred to as the GFI Subsequent Merger in this proxy statement/prospectus, with Merger Sub 2 continuing as the surviving company and a wholly-owned subsidiary of CME. As a result of these mergers, GFI will no longer be a publicly held company. Following the GFI Merger, common stock, par value $0.01 per share, of GFI, which is referred to as GFI Common Stock in this proxy statement/prospectus, will be delisted from the New York Stock Exchange, which is referred to as the NYSE in this proxy statement/prospectus, and deregistered under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, which is referred to as the Exchange Act in this proxy statement/prospectus, and GFI will no longer be required to file periodic reports with the Securities Exchange Commission, which is referred to as the SEC in this proxy statement/prospectus, in respect of GFI Common Stock.

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Q:
Does my vote matter?

A:
Yes. The GFI Merger cannot be completed unless the GFI Merger Agreement is adopted by GFI Stockholders. For GFI Stockholders, if you fail to submit a proxy or vote in person at the Special Meeting, or vote to abstain, or you do not provide your bank, brokerage firm or other nominee with instructions, as applicable, this will have the same effect as a vote "AGAINST" the GFI Merger Proposal. Acting upon the unanimous recommendation of a special committee of independent directors, which is referred to as the Special Committee in this proxy statement/prospectus, the board of directors of GFI, which is referred to as the GFI Board in this proxy statement/prospectus (other than Messrs. Gooch and Heffron, who abstained from the votes of the GFI Board, which resulted in the remaining members of the GFI Board being comprised solely of the members of the Special Committee), unanimously recommends that GFI Stockholders vote "FOR" the GFI Merger Proposal.

Q.
What will I receive if the GFI Merger is completed?

A:
If the GFI Merger is completed, each share of GFI Common Stock (other than shares of GFI Common Stock owned by CME (including pursuant to the JPI Merger) or GFI or any of their respective wholly-owned subsidiaries) issued and outstanding immediately prior to the time the GFI Merger becomes effective, which is referred to as the Effective Time in this proxy statement/prospectus, will be converted into, at your election, cash consideration or stock consideration, jointly referred to as the Merger Consideration in this proxy statement/prospectus. The cash consideration for which a valid cash election has been made or no election has been made will be

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Q:
Can a GFI Stockholder who makes either a cash election or a stock election nevertheless receive a mix of cash and stock as Merger Consideration?

A:
Yes. Under the GFI Merger Agreement, CME has agreed to pay up to $89 million of the Merger Consideration in cash to GFI Stockholders. If there are such number of GFI Stockholders who have made valid cash elections or no elections that the aggregate amount of cash payable is more than the amount available as cash consideration under the GFI Merger Agreement, those GFI Stockholders making a cash election or no election will have the cash portion of their Merger Consideration proportionately reduced and will receive a portion of their consideration in stock, despite their cash elections. In lieu of proration, however, CME may choose, in its sole discretion, to increase the cash amount to be paid in the GFI Merger above the cash component of $89 million, up to the elected amount of cash consideration, subject to certain limitations.

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Q:
If I am a GFI Stockholder, when must I elect the type of Merger Consideration I prefer to receive?

A:
Prior to the Effective Time, CME will mail a form of election to each holder of record and beneficial owner of shares of GFI Common Stock as of a specified date selected by CME. Upon request, CME will also make forms of election available to GFI Stockholders who become holders of record or beneficial owners of GFI Common Stock during the election period. The form of election allows you to elect, for each share of GFI Common Stock you own, to receive cash or stock consideration in the GFI Merger. You must return your properly completed and signed form of election to the exchange agent prior to the anticipated election deadline. Unless otherwise designated on the election form, the election deadline will be 5:00 p.m., New York time, on the second business day prior to the Effective Time. If you are a GFI Stockholder and you do not return your form of election by the election deadline or improperly complete or do not sign your form of election, you will receive cash as consideration for your shares, subject to proration if applicable. CME will publicly announce the anticipated election deadline at least five business days prior to the anticipated Effective Time. If the Effective Time is delayed to a subsequent date, the election deadline will also be delayed and CME will promptly announce any such delay and, when determined, the rescheduled election deadline.
Q:
Can a GFI Stockholder revoke or change an election after it has been submitted to the exchange agent?

A:
Yes. An election may be revoked by written notice to the exchange agent received prior to the election deadline. An election may also be changed prior to the election deadline by submitting to the exchange agent a properly completed and signed revised form of election.
Q:
What are the consequences of the GFI Merger to the Special Committee?

A:
Like all GFI Stockholders, members of the Special Committee will be entitled to receive the Merger Consideration. Restricted stock units outstanding in respect of GFI Common Stock, which are referred to as RSUs in this proxy statement/prospectus, held by members of the Special Committee will vest in connection with the GFI Merger and, upon vesting, such accelerated RSUs will convert into shares of GFI Common Stock and members of the Special Committee will be entitled to receive the Merger Consideration. Members of the Special Committee do not have an interest in the GFI Merger different from that of GFI Stockholders in respect of their shares of GFI Common Stock. For more information, see the section entitled "The GFI Merger—Interests of GFI Directors and Executive Officers in the GFI Merger" beginning on page [    ] of this proxy statement/prospectus.

Q:
What is the vote required to adopt the GFI Merger Agreement?

A:
The adoption of the GFI Merger Agreement requires that (i) the holders of at least 662/3% of the shares of GFI Common Stock cast at the Special Meeting vote to adopt the GFI Merger Agreement (provided that such affirmative vote represents at least a majority of the outstanding shares of GFI Common Stock) and (ii) the holders of a majority of the outstanding shares of GFI

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Q.
What is the vote required to adopt the "Golden Parachute" Compensation Proposal?

A:
Approval, on an advisory (non-binding) basis, of the "Golden Parachute" Compensation Proposal requires the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the shares of GFI Common Stock either present or represented by proxy and entitled to vote at the Special Meeting.
Q:
What is the vote required to approve the Adjournment Proposal?

A:
If the chairman of the Special Meeting does not adjourn the Special Meeting, approval of the Adjournment Proposal requires the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of shares of GFI Common Stock entitled to vote generally in the election of directors, either present or represented by proxy and entitled to vote at the Special Meeting.

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Q:
What happens if the "Golden Parachute" Compensation Proposal is not approved?

A:
Approval of the "Golden Parachute" Compensation Proposal is not a condition to completion of the GFI Merger. The vote is an advisory vote and is not binding. If the GFI Merger is completed, GFI may pay the "golden parachute" compensation to its named executive officers in connection with the GFI Merger even if GFI Stockholders fail to approve the "Golden Parachute" Compensation Proposal.
Q.
Have any GFI Stockholders already agreed to adopt the GFI Merger Agreement?

A:
Yes. Concurrently with the entry into the GFI Merger Agreement, JPI, New JPI, Mr. Gooch, the executive chairman of the GFI Board, Mr. Heffron, a member of the GFI Board and GFI's chief executive officer, and Mr. Brown, a member of GFI management, as stockholders that beneficially own approximately 37.8% of the outstanding shares of GFI Common Stock as of December 2, 2014, which are referred to as the GFI Supporting Stockholders in this proxy statement/prospectus, entered into a support agreement, which is referred to as the GFI Support Agreement in this proxy statement/prospectus and attached as Annex E to this proxy statement/prospectus, with CME. Such stockholders agreed, among other things, to vote their respective shares of GFI Common Stock "FOR" the GFI Merger Proposal and against, among other things, any Takeover Proposal (as defined under the section entitled "The GFI Merger Agreement—No Solicitation or Negotiation of Takeover Proposals" beginning on page [    ] of this proxy statement/prospectus).
Q:
Why is the GFI Board seeking the adoption of the GFI Merger Agreement and the approval of the GFI Merger by GFI Disinterested Stockholders?

A:
The adoption of the GFI Merger Agreement by the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the outstanding shares of GFI Common Stock that are held by GFI Disinterested Stockholders is not required by either the terms of GFI's second amended and restated certificate of incorporation, which is referred to as the GFI Charter, or by the laws of the State of Delaware. GFI has decided, however, to give a majority of the GFI Disinterested Stockholders the power to determine whether the GFI Merger Agreement is acceptable. Adoption of the GFI Merger Agreement by the affirmative vote of GFI Disinterested Stockholders is a condition to completion of the GFI Merger. GFI will not consummate the GFI Merger without adoption of the GFI Merger Agreement by the requisite stockholders.

Q.
How does the GFI Board recommend that I vote at the Special Meeting?

A:
The GFI Board (other than Messrs. Gooch and Heffron, who abstained from the votes of the GFI Board), acting upon the unanimous recommendation of the Special Committee, unanimously recommends that GFI Stockholders vote "FOR" the GFI Merger Proposal, "FOR" the "Golden Parachute" Compensation Proposal and "FOR" the Adjournment Proposal. See the section entitled "The GFI Merger—Recommendation of the Special Committee and the GFI Board; Reasons for the GFI Merger" beginning on page [    ] of this proxy statement/prospectus.

Q:
What will happen to GFI as a result of the GFI Merger?

A:
If the GFI Merger is completed, Merger Sub 1 will merge with and into GFI, with GFI continuing as the surviving corporation, which will be followed immediately by a merger of GFI as the

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Q:
What happens if I am eligible to receive a fraction of a share of CME Class A Common Stock as part of the Merger Consideration?

A:
If the aggregate number of shares of CME Class A Common Stock that you are entitled to receive as part of the Merger Consideration includes a fraction of a share of CME Class A Common Stock, you will receive cash in lieu of that fractional share. See the section entitled "The GFI Merger Agreement—Fractional Shares" beginning on page [    ] of this proxy statement/prospectus.

Q:
What will holders of equity awards issued under GFI stock based plans receive in the GFI Merger?

A:
Each RSU held by a Continuing Employee (as defined in the following sentence), which is referred to as a Continuing Employee RSU in this proxy statement/prospectus, that is outstanding immediately before the Effective Time, will be converted upon completion of the GFI Merger, at the election of CME, into (i) an equity right consisting of, based on or relating to, shares of CME Class A Common Stock, which is referred to as a CME RSU in this proxy statement/prospectus, that may be settled in CME's discretion in either cash or shares of CME Class A Common Stock, (ii) a deferred cash obligation or (iii) a mix thereof, in each case otherwise on substantially the same terms and conditions as were applicable under the Continuing Employee RSU (but taking into account any applicable changes, including any acceleration or vesting of the Continuing Employee RSU, provided for in the relevant GFI stock plan or in the related award document by reason of the GFI Merger). All references in this proxy statement/prospectus to a "Continuing Employee" means any individual who is an employee of GFI or any subsidiary of GFI before the Effective Time and who remains employed by Merger Sub 2 or any of the subsidiaries of Merger Sub 2 immediately after the closing of the IDB Transaction. Any individual who is an employee of GFI or any subsidiary of GFI before the Effective Time who is not a Continuing Employee is referred to as an IDB Employee in this proxy statement/prospectus. To the extent that Continuing Employee RSUs are converted into CME RSUs in accordance with the preceding sentence, the number of shares of CME Class A Common Stock subject to each such CME RSU will be equal to the product of (i) the number of shares of GFI Common Stock subject to the Continuing Employee RSU multiplied by (ii) the Exchange Ratio, rounded down to the nearest whole share of CME Class A Common Stock.

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Q:
What equity stake will GFI Stockholders hold in CME immediately following the GFI Merger?

A:
Based on the number of shares of GFI Common Stock outstanding and issuable pursuant to the vesting of RSUs prior to the date the GFI Merger is expected to be completed and assuming the entire available cash consideration amount of $89 million is paid as part of the aggregate Merger Consideration, CME expects to issue approximately 6.89 million shares of CME Class A Common Stock to GFI Stockholders pursuant to the GFI Merger and the JPI Merger and reserve for issuance approximately 6,800 additional shares of CME Class A Common Stock in connection with the conversion or settlement of outstanding Continuing Employee RSUs. The actual number of shares of CME Class A Common Stock to be issued and reserved for issuance pursuant to the GFI Merger will be determined at completion of the GFI Merger based on the cash, stock and no election amounts, the Exchange Ratio and the number of shares of GFI Common Stock and Continuing Employee RSUs outstanding at that time. Based on the number of shares of GFI Common Stock outstanding and issuable pursuant to the vesting of RSUs prior to the date the GFI Merger is expected to be completed and assuming the entire available cash consideration amount of $89 million is paid as part of the aggregate Merger Consideration, and based on the number of shares of CME Class A Common Stock outstanding as of October 31, 2014, it is expected that, immediately after completion of the GFI Merger, former GFI Stockholders (including stockholders of JPI) will own approximately 2.05% of the outstanding shares of CME Class A Common Stock.

Q:
When do you expect the GFI Merger to be completed?

A:
Subject to the satisfaction or waiver of the closing conditions described under the section entitled "The GFI Merger Agreement—Conditions to Completion of the GFI Merger" beginning on page [    ] of this proxy statement/prospectus, including the adoption of the GFI Merger Agreement by GFI Stockholders at the Special Meeting, GFI and CME anticipate that the GFI Merger will be completed in early 2015. However, it is possible that factors outside the control of both companies could result in the GFI Merger being completed at a different time or not at all.

Q:
Will GFI be required to submit the proposal to approve the GFI Merger Agreement to its stockholders even if the GFI Board has withdrawn, modified or qualified its recommendation?

A:
Yes. Unless the GFI Merger Agreement is terminated before the Special Meeting, GFI is required to submit the GFI Merger Proposal to its stockholders even if the GFI Board has withdrawn, modified or qualified its recommendation.

Q.
What are the United States federal income tax consequences of the GFI Merger to GFI Stockholders?

A:
It is a condition to the GFI Merger that both CME and GFI receive legal opinions from their respective legal counsel to the effect that for United States federal income tax purposes the GFI Merger will qualify as a "reorganization" within the meaning of Section 368(a) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, which we refer to as the Code. Provided that the GFI Merger qualifies as a "reorganization" within the meaning of Section 368(a) of the Code, a GFI Stockholder will not recognize gain or loss for United States federal income tax purposes as a result of such stockholder's shares of GFI Common Stock being exchanged in the GFI Merger solely for shares of CME Class A Common Stock, except with respect to the receipt of cash in lieu of a fractional share of CME Class A Common Stock. A GFI Stockholder who exchanges such stockholder's shares of GFI Common Stock solely for cash in the GFI Merger will recognize gain

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Q:
Who can vote at the Special Meeting?

A:
All holders of record of GFI Common Stock as of the close of business on December 1, 2014, the record date for the Special Meeting, which is referred to as the Record Date in this proxy statement/prospectus, are entitled to receive notice of, and to vote at, the Special Meeting. Each holder of GFI Common Stock is entitled to cast one vote on each matter properly brought before the Special Meeting for each share of GFI Common Stock that such holder owned of record as of the Record Date. As of the close of business on the Record Date, there were 127,487,691 outstanding shares of GFI Common Stock.

Q:
When and where is the Special Meeting?

A:
The Special Meeting will be held on [                        ], 2015, at [           ] Eastern Standard Time, at [                                                                               ]. To gain admittance to the Special Meeting, please detach and retain the admission ticket attached to your proxy card. If your shares of GFI Common Stock are held through a bank, brokerage firm or other nominee, please bring evidence that you own GFI Common Stock to the Special Meeting and we will provide you with an admission ticket. If you received your special meeting materials electronically and wish to attend the meeting, please follow the instructions provided for attendance. A form of government-issued photo ID will be required to enter the Special Meeting. For additional information about the Special Meeting, see the section entitled "Information About the Special Meeting" beginning on page [    ] of this proxy statement/prospectus.

Q:
How will I receive the Merger Consideration to which I am entitled?

A:
After receiving the proper documentation from you, following the Effective Time, the exchange agent will forward to you, based on your election, CME Class A Common Stock and/or cash, subject to proration described herein, to which you are entitled. More information on the documentation you are required to deliver to the exchange agent may be found under the caption "The GFI Merger Agreement—Exchange and Payment Procedures" beginning on page [    ] of this proxy statement/prospectus.

Q:
Will my shares of CME Class A Common Stock acquired in the GFI Merger receive a dividend?

A:
After the closing of the GFI Merger, if you are a holder of CME Class A Common Stock, you will receive the same dividends on shares of CME Class A Common Stock that all other holders of shares of CME Class A Common Stock will receive with any dividend record date that occurs after the GFI Merger is completed.

No dividends or other distributions with respect to shares of CME Class A Common Stock issued in the GFI Merger will be paid to the holder of any unsurrendered share certificate until such certificate is surrendered. Following such surrender, the record holder of the shares of CME Class A Common Stock will be paid (i) at the time of such surrender, all dividends and other distributions payable in respect of such shares of CME Class A Common Stock with a record date after the Effective Time and a payment date on or prior to the date of such surrender and not previously paid and (ii) at the appropriate payment date, the dividends or other distributions payable with respect to such shares of CME Class A Common Stock with a record date after the

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Q:
What am I being asked to vote on at the Special Meeting?

A:
You are being asked to consider and vote on the following proposals:

the adoption of the GFI Merger Agreement;

the approval by non-binding, advisory vote, of the "Golden Parachute" Compensation Proposal; and

the approval of the Adjournment Proposal.

Q:
What is the difference between holding shares as a stockholder of record and as a beneficial owner?

A:
If your shares of GFI Common Stock are registered directly in your name with the transfer agent of GFI, Broadridge Corporate Issuer Solutions, Inc., you are considered the stockholder of record with respect to those shares. As the stockholder of record, you have the right to vote or to grant a proxy for your vote directly to GFI or to a third party to vote at the Special Meeting.

If your shares are held by a bank, brokerage firm or other nominee, you are considered the beneficial owner of shares held in "street name," and your bank, brokerage firm or other nominee is considered the stockholder of record with respect to those shares. Your bank, brokerage firm or other nominee will send you, as the beneficial owner, a package describing the procedure for voting your shares. You should follow the instructions provided by them to vote your shares. You are invited to attend the Special Meeting; however, you may not vote these shares in person at the Special Meeting unless you obtain a "legal proxy" from your bank, brokerage firm or other nominee that holds your shares, giving you the right to vote the shares at the Special Meeting.

Q:
If my shares of GFI Common Stock are held in "street name" by my bank, brokerage firm or other nominee, will my bank, brokerage firm or other nominee automatically vote those shares or make an election for me?

A:
Your bank, brokerage firm or other nominee will only be permitted to vote your shares of GFI Common Stock if you instruct your bank, brokerage firm or other nominee how to vote. You should follow the procedures provided by your bank, brokerage firm or other nominee regarding the voting of your shares of GFI Common Stock. In accordance with the rules of the NYSE, banks, brokerage firms and other nominees who hold shares of GFI Common Stock in street name for their customers have authority to vote on "routine" proposals when they have not received instructions from beneficial owners. However, banks, brokerage firms and other nominees are precluded from exercising their voting discretion with respect to non-routine matters, such as the adoption of the GFI Merger Agreement, the approval by non-binding, advisory vote, of the "Golden Parachute" Compensation Proposal and the approval of the Adjournment Proposal. As a result, absent specific instructions from the beneficial owner of such shares, banks, brokerage firms and other nominees are not empowered to vote such shares or make an election. The effect of not

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Q:
What constitutes a quorum for the Special Meeting?

A:
The presence, in person or represented by proxy, of holders of a majority of the voting power of the outstanding shares of capital stock of GFI entitled to vote generally in the election of directors constitutes a quorum for the purposes of the Special Meeting. A quorum is necessary to transact business at the Special Meeting. The third amended and restated bylaws of GFI, which is referred to as the GFI Bylaws in this proxy statement/prospectus, provide that the chairman of the meeting or a majority of the voting power of the outstanding shares of capital stock of GFI entitled to vote generally in the election of directors, either present or represented by proxy at the Special Meeting, may adjourn such meeting from time to time, whether or not there is such a quorum. Once a share of GFI Common Stock is represented at the Special Meeting, it will be counted for the purpose of determining a quorum at the Special Meeting and any adjournment of the Special Meeting.

Q:
How can I change or revoke my vote?

A:
You have the right to revoke a proxy, whether delivered over the Internet, by telephone or by mail, at any time before it is exercised, by voting again at a later date through any of the methods available to you, by attending the Special Meeting and voting in person, or by giving written notice of revocation to GFI prior to the time the Special Meeting begins. Written notice of revocation should be mailed to: Investor Relations, GFI Group, Inc., 55 Water Street, New York, NY 10041.

Q:
If a stockholder gives a proxy, how are the shares of GFI Common Stock voted?

A:
Regardless of the method you choose to vote, the individuals named on the enclosed proxy card will vote your shares of GFI Common Stock in the way that you indicate. When completing the Internet or telephone processes or the proxy card, you may specify whether your shares of GFI Common Stock should be voted "FOR" or "AGAINST" or to "ABSTAIN" from voting on all, some or none of the specific items of business to come before the Special Meeting.

If you properly sign your proxy card but do not mark the boxes showing how your shares should be voted on a matter, the shares represented by your properly signed proxy will be voted "FOR" the GFI Merger Proposal, "FOR" the "Golden Parachute" Compensation Proposal and "FOR" the Adjournment Proposal.

Q:
What should I do if I receive more than one set of voting materials?

A:
If you hold shares of GFI Common Stock in "street name" and also directly as a record holder or otherwise or if you hold shares of GFI Common Stock in more than one brokerage account, you may receive more than one set of voting materials relating to the Special Meeting. Please complete, sign, date and return each proxy card (or cast your vote by telephone or Internet as provided on your proxy card) or otherwise follow the voting instructions provided in this proxy

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Q:
What happens if I sell my shares of GFI Common Stock before the Special Meeting?

A:
The Record Date is earlier than both the date of the Special Meeting and the Effective Time. If you transfer your shares of GFI Common Stock after the Record Date but before the Special Meeting, you will, unless the transferee requests a proxy from you, retain your right to vote at the Special Meeting but will transfer the right to receive the Merger Consideration to the person to whom you transfer your shares. In order to receive the Merger Consideration, you must hold your shares at the Effective Time.

Q:
Who will solicit and pay the cost of soliciting proxies?

A:
GFI has engaged MacKenzie Partners, Inc., which is referred to as MacKenzie Partners in this proxy statement/prospectus, to assist in the solicitation of proxies for the Special Meeting. GFI estimates that it will pay MacKenzie Partners a fee of approximately $15,000. GFI has agreed to reimburse MacKenzie Partners for certain out-of-pocket fees and expenses and also will indemnify MacKenzie Partners against certain losses, claims, damages, liabilities or expenses. GFI also may reimburse banks, brokerage firms, other nominees or their respective agents for their expenses in forwarding proxy materials to beneficial owners of GFI Common Stock. GFI's directors, officers and employees also may solicit proxies by telephone, by facsimile, by mail, on the Internet or in person. They will not be paid any additional amounts for soliciting proxies.

Q:
What do I need to do now?

A:
Even if you plan to attend the Special Meeting in person, after carefully reading and considering the information contained in this proxy statement/prospectus, please vote promptly to ensure that your shares are represented at the Special Meeting. If you hold your shares of GFI Common Stock in your own name as the stockholder of record, you may submit a proxy to have your shares of GFI Common Stock voted at the Special Meeting in one of three ways:

by telephone or over the Internet, by accessing the telephone number or Internet website specified on the enclosed proxy card. The control number provided on your proxy card is designed to verify your identity when voting by telephone or by Internet. Proxies delivered over the Internet or by telephone must be submitted by 11:59 p.m. Eastern Standard Time on [                 ], 2015. Please be aware that if you vote by telephone or over the Internet, you may incur costs such as telephone and Internet access charges for which you will be responsible;

by completing, signing, dating and returning the enclosed proxy card in the accompanying prepaid reply envelope; or

in person—you may attend the Special Meeting and cast your vote there.
Q:
Should I send in my share certificates now?

A:
No, please do NOT return your share certificate(s) with your proxy. If the GFI Merger Agreement is adopted by GFI Stockholders and the GFI Merger is completed, and you hold physical share certificates, you will be sent a letter of transmittal as promptly as reasonably practicable after the

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Q:
Where can I find the voting results of the Special Meeting?

A:
The preliminary voting results will be announced at the Special Meeting. In addition, within four business days following certification of the final voting results, GFI intends to file the final voting results with the SEC on a Current Report on Form 8-K.

Q:
Am I entitled to exercise appraisal rights instead of receiving the Merger Consideration for my shares of GFI Common Stock?

A:
No. GFI Stockholders are not entitled to fair value or appraisal, dissenters' or similar rights under the GFI Merger Agreement.

Q:
Are there any risks that I should consider in deciding whether to vote for the adoption of the GFI Merger Agreement?

A:
Yes. You should read and carefully consider the risk factors set forth in the section entitled "Risk Factors" beginning on page [    ] of this proxy statement/prospectus. You also should read and carefully consider the risk factors of CME and GFI contained in the documents that are incorporated by reference into this proxy statement/prospectus. See the section entitled "Where You Can Find More Information" beginning on page [    ] of this proxy statement/prospectus.

Q:
How will the BGC Proposal and the BGC Offer affect the GFI Merger?

A:
On September 9, 2014, BGC Partners, Inc., which is referred to as BGC in this proxy statement/prospectus, publicly announced a plan to commence a tender offer for 100% of the outstanding shares of GFI Common Stock at $5.25 per share in cash, which is referred to as the BGC Proposal in this proxy statement/prospectus. On September 11, 2014, the GFI Board (with Mr. Gooch abstaining and Mr. Heffron not present), upon the unanimous recommendation of the Special Committee, which was determined in good faith after consultation with its outside legal counsel and independent financial advisor, determined that the BGC Proposal could reasonably be expected to lead to a Superior Proposal (as defined under the section entitled "The GFI Merger Agreement—No Solicitation or Negotiation of Takeover Proposals" beginning on page [            ] of this proxy statement/prospectus). The GFI Board was required to make this determination because, under the terms of the GFI Merger Agreement, the GFI Board must first determine in good faith that the BGC Proposal could reasonably be expected to lead to a Superior Proposal before GFI is permitted to participate in any discussions or negotiations with BGC or its representatives regarding the BGC Proposal or, subject to the execution of a confidentiality agreement, furnish information regarding GFI or any of its subsidiaries to BGC or its representatives.

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Q:
What are the conditions to completion of the GFI Merger?

A:
In addition to the approval of the GFI Merger by GFI Stockholders as described above, completion of the GFI Merger is subject to the satisfaction of a number of other conditions, including (i) the shares of CME Class A Common Stock to be issued in the GFI Merger being approved for listing on NASDAQ, (ii) the expiration or termination of any applicable waiting period under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act of 1976, as amended, which is referred to as the HSR Act in this proxy statement/prospectus, (iii) receipt of other specified regulatory approvals and the provision of notices to certain third parties, (iv) the absence of any law or order that is in effect and restrains, enjoins or otherwise prohibits the GFI Merger and the GFI Subsequent Merger, which are referred to, together, as the GFI Combination in this proxy statement/prospectus, (v) the completion of a pre-closing reorganization of GFI, which is referred to as the GFI Pre-Closing Reorganization in this proxy statement/prospectus, and (vi) the satisfaction or waiver of the conditions to the closing of the transactions contemplated under

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Q.
What are the JPI Merger and the IDB Transaction and how do they relate to the GFI Merger?

A:
The closing of the GFI Merger is subject to and dependent upon, the closing of the JPI Merger and the IDB Transaction. Immediately prior to the closing of the GFI Combination, following a reorganization of JPI pursuant to which New JPI will become the record and beneficial owner of all of the shares of GFI Common Stock beneficially owned by JPI, New JPI will become a wholly-owned subsidiary of CME pursuant to the JPI Merger Agreement. At the effective time of the JPI Merger, each share of common stock of New JPI, which is referred to as New JPI Common Stock in this proxy statement/prospectus, issued (other than shares of New JPI Common Stock owned by New JPI) will be converted into the right to receive a fraction of a share of CME Class A Common Stock on the same basis as the Merger Consideration that otherwise would be payable in the GFI Merger for the shares of GFI Common Stock owned by New JPI as stock election shares, provided that to the extent all of the available cash consideration in the GFI Merger has not been allocated, up to 13% of the total JPI merger consideration shall be paid in cash. The purpose of the JPI Merger Agreement is to provide New JPI's stockholders the same tax-free consideration they would receive in the GFI Merger if they held the GFI Common Stock owned by New JPI directly as GFI Stockholders, subject to any portion of the JPI merger consideration that becomes payable in cash as described above. The JPI Merger Agreement contains termination rights for both CME and New JPI, including the right to terminate if either the GFI Merger Agreement or the IDB Purchase Agreement is terminated in accordance with its terms. The IDB Purchase Agreement provides for IDB Buyer to purchase from Merger Sub 2, and Merger Sub 2 to sell, transfer and assign to IDB Buyer, all of Merger Sub 2's right, title and interest in and to all of the issued and outstanding securities of the subsidiaries of GFI that, after giving effect to an internal reorganization contemplated by the GFI Merger Agreement, which are collectively referred to as the IDB Subsidiaries in this proxy statement/prospectus, will own and operate GFI's interdealer brokerage business, which is referred to as the IDB Business in this proxy statement/prospectus. The IDB Purchase Agreement contains certain termination rights for both IDB Buyer and Merger Sub 2, including if either the GFI Merger Agreement or the JPI Merger Agreement is terminated in accordance with its terms. For a more complete summary of the JPI Merger Agreement and the IDB Purchase Agreement, see the sections entitled "JPI Merger Agreement" and "IDB Purchase Agreement" beginning on pages [    ] and [    ], respectively, of this proxy statement/prospectus.

Q:
What happens if the GFI Merger is not completed?

A:
If the GFI Merger Agreement is not adopted by GFI Stockholders or if the GFI Merger is not completed for any other reason, GFI Stockholders will not receive any consideration for their shares of GFI Common Stock. Instead, GFI will remain an independent public company, GFI Common Stock will continue to be listed and traded on the NYSE and registered under the Exchange Act and GFI will continue to file periodic reports with the SEC. Under specified circumstances, GFI may be required to pay CME a termination fee or may be required to reimburse CME up to $10 million in expenses. See the section entitled "The GFI Merger Agreement—Termination of the GFI Merger Agreement—Termination Fee" beginning on page [    ] of this proxy statement/prospectus.

Q:
Who can help answer any other questions I have?

A:
If you have additional questions about the GFI Merger, need assistance in submitting your proxy or voting your shares of GFI Common Stock, or need additional copies of this proxy statement/prospectus or the enclosed proxy card, or if you have questions about the process for making an election, please contact MacKenzie Partners, GFI's proxy solicitor, by calling toll-free at (800) 322-2885.

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SUMMARY

        The following summary highlights selected information in this proxy statement/prospectus and may not contain all the information that may be important to you as a GFI Stockholder. Accordingly, we encourage you to read carefully this entire proxy statement/prospectus, its annexes and the documents referred to in this proxy statement/prospectus. Each item in this summary includes a page reference directing you to a more complete description of that topic. You may obtain the information incorporated by reference into this proxy statement/prospectus without charge by following the instructions under the section entitled "Where You Can Find More Information" beginning on page [    ] of this proxy statement/prospectus.


The Companies (Page [    ])

GFI Group Inc.

        GFI, a Delaware corporation, is a leading intermediary and provider of trading technologies and support services to the global over-the-counter and listed markets. GFI was founded in 1987 and was incorporated under the laws of the State of Delaware in 2001 to be a holding company for its subsidiaries. GFI provides brokerage and trade execution services, clearing services, market data and trading platform and other software products to institutional customers in markets for a range of fixed income, financial, equity and commodity instruments. GFI provides execution services for its institutional wholesale customers by either matching their trading needs with counterparties having reciprocal interests or directing their orders to an exchange or other trading venue.

        GFI Common Stock is listed on the NYSE under the symbol "GFIG." GFI's principal executive offices are located at 55 Water Street, New York, New York 10041, its telephone number is (212)-968-4100 and its website is www.gfigroup.com.


CME Group Inc.

        CME, through its futures exchanges and clearing houses, serves the risk management and investment needs of customers around the globe.

        CME offers the widest range of global benchmark products across all major asset classes, based on interest rates, equity indexes, foreign exchange, energy, agricultural commodities, metals, weather and real estate. CME's products include both exchange-traded and over-the-counter derivatives. CME brings buyers and sellers together through its CME Globex electronic trading platform across the globe and its open outcry trading facilities in Chicago and New York City, and provides hosting, connectivity and customer support for electronic trading through its co-location services. CME Direct technology offers side-by-side trading of exchange-listed and over-the-counter markets. CME also provides clearing and settlement services for exchange-traded contracts, as well as for cleared over-the-counter derivatives transactions, and provides regulatory reporting solutions for market participants through its global repository services in the United States and the United Kingdom. CME offers a wide range of market data services—including live quotes, delayed quotes, market reports and a comprehensive historical data service—and continues to expand into the index services business.

        CME Class A Common Stock is traded on NASDAQ under the symbol "CME." CME's principal executive offices are located at 20 South Wacker Drive, Chicago, Illinois 60606, its telephone number is (312)-930-1000 and its website is www.cmegroup.com.


Commodore Acquisition Corp.

        Commodore Acquisition Corp., referred to as Merger Sub 1 in this proxy statement/prospectus, a Delaware corporation and a wholly-owned subsidiary of CME, was formed solely for the purpose of facilitating the GFI Merger. Merger Sub 1 has not carried on any activities or operations to date, except for those activities incidental to its formation and undertaken in connection with the

 

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transactions contemplated by the GFI Merger Agreement. By operation of the GFI Merger, Merger Sub 1 will be merged with and into GFI, with GFI continuing as the surviving corporation in the GFI Merger and a wholly-owned subsidiary of CME.


Commodore Acquisition LLC

        Commodore Acquisition LLC, referred to as Merger Sub 2 in this proxy statement/prospectus, a Delaware limited liability company and a wholly-owned subsidiary of CME, was formed solely for the purpose of facilitating the GFI Merger. Merger Sub 2 has not carried on any activities or operations to date, except for those activities incidental to its formation and undertaken in connection with the transactions contemplated by the GFI Merger Agreement. By operation of the GFI Merger, GFI as the surviving corporation will be merged with and into Merger Sub 2, with Merger Sub 2 continuing as the surviving company in the GFI Subsequent Merger and a wholly-owned subsidiary of CME.


The GFI Merger

        The terms and conditions of the GFI Merger are contained in the GFI Merger Agreement, a copy of which is attached as Annex A to this proxy statement/prospectus. We encourage you to read the GFI Merger Agreement carefully and in its entirety, as it is the legal document that governs the GFI Merger.

        If the GFI Merger is completed, Merger Sub 1 will merge with and into GFI, with GFI continuing as the surviving corporation, which will be followed immediately by a merger of GFI as the surviving corporation with and into Merger Sub 2, with Merger Sub 2 continuing as the surviving company and a wholly-owned subsidiary of CME. Following the closing date of the GFI Merger, GFI Common Stock will be delisted from the NYSE, deregistered under the Exchange Act and cease to be publicly traded.


Effect of the GFI Merger; Consideration to be Received in the GFI Merger; Treatment of RSUs and Stock Options (Page [    ])

        As a result of the GFI Merger, each GFI Stockholder will have the right, with respect to each share of GFI Common Stock held, to elect to receive the Merger Consideration consisting of either cash, subject to proration as described herein, or shares of CME Class A Common Stock. The value of the Merger Consideration consisting of shares of CME Class A Common Stock will fluctuate with the market price of CME Class A Common Stock based on the Average Closing CME Stock Price. Whether a GFI Stockholder makes a cash election or a stock election, the value of the consideration that such GFI Stockholder will be entitled to receive as of the date of completion of the GFI Merger is expected to be similar, although the value may not be identical because the amount of the stock consideration will be based on the Average Closing CME Stock Price, which may be different from the market price of the CME Class A Common Stock as of the date of completion of the GFI Merger.

        GFI Stockholders may specify different elections with respect to different shares held by them. For example, if a GFI Stockholder has 100 shares, the stockholder could make a cash election with respect to 50 shares and a stock election with respect to the other 50 shares. Prior to the Effective Time, CME will mail a form of election to each holder of record and beneficial owner of shares of GFI Common Stock as of a specified date selected by CME. Upon request, CME will also make forms of election available to GFI Stockholders who become holders of record or beneficial owners of GFI Common Stock during the election period. Procedures for making your election and returning the form of election are described more fully in the section entitled "The GFI Merger Agreement—Form of Election" beginning on page [    ] of this proxy statement/prospectus.

 

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Cash Election

        The GFI Merger Agreement provides that each GFI Stockholder who makes a valid cash election will have the right to receive, in exchange for each share of GFI Common Stock for which a valid cash election is made, an amount in cash equal to $5.25 per share (without interest), subject to proration as described herein.


Stock Election

        The GFI Merger Agreement provides that each GFI Stockholder will have the right to receive, in exchange for each share of GFI Common Stock for which a valid stock election is made, a number of shares of CME Class A Common Stock equal $5.25 divided by the Average Closing CME Stock Price. We sometimes refer to the number of shares of CME Class A Common Stock received per share of GFI Common Stock for which a valid stock election is made as the "Per Share Stock Consideration."


No Election

        If you are a GFI Stockholder and you do not make an election to receive cash or CME Class A Common Stock in the GFI Merger, your elections are not received by the exchange agent by the election deadline, or your forms of election are improperly completed and/or are not signed, you will be deemed not to have made an election. GFI Stockholders not making an election will have the right to receive $5.25 (without interest) in exchange for each share of GFI Common Stock, subject to proration as described herein.


Proration Adjustment if Cash Consideration is Oversubscribed

        The maximum available cash component of the total consideration to be paid by CME in the GFI Merger is $89 million. If the aggregate amount of cash payable by CME to GFI Stockholders who have made valid cash elections or no elections is greater than $89 million, CME has the option, in its sole discretion, to increase the maximum available cash component, subject to certain limitations. Since, regardless of the number of shares of GFI Common Stock for which cash elections or no elections have been made, the maximum aggregate amount of cash consideration to be paid in the GFI Merger is $89 million (or such other greater amount at CME's sole discretion in the event that the cash election is oversubscribed, subject to certain limitations), only a certain number of shares of GFI Common Stock can, without proration, be converted into the right to receive cash. As a result, if the aggregate amount of cash payable by CME to GFI Stockholders who have made valid cash elections or no elections is greater than $89 million and CME does not exercise its option to increase the maximum available cash component, or if CME does not exercise its option to increase the maximum available cash component to an amount equal to the aggregate amount payable to GFI Stockholders who have made valid cash elections or no elections, then:

        No fractional shares of CME Class A Common Stock will be issued in the GFI Merger. Instead, cash will be paid for any fractional shares of CME Class A Common Stock to which GFI Stockholders

 

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would otherwise be entitled to receive under the GFI Merger Agreement. In addition, in no event will the aggregate number of shares of CME Class A Common Stock issuable in the transactions contemplated by the GFI Merger Agreement and the JPI Merger Agreement exceed the Issuance Cap, in which case the GFI Merger Agreement may be terminated by GFI. Assuming the entire aggregate Merger Consideration is paid in shares of CME Class A Common Stock, the per share price of CME Class A Common Stock would have to fall below $10.03 for the Issuance Cap to impact the number of shares of CME Class A Common Stock issuable in the transactions contemplated by the GFI Merger Agreement and the JPI Merger Agreement. The closing price per share of CME Class A Common Stock on December 19, 2014 was $92.36.

        With respect to Continuing Employee RSUs, not later than five business days prior to the closing date of the GFI Merger, GFI will take all actions necessary to provide that each such RSU (a) shall cease, at the Effective Time, to represent an equity right with respect to shares of GFI Common Stock and (b) as directed by CME not less than ten business days prior to the closing date of the GFI Merger, will be converted at the Effective Time, without any action on the part of the holder of the Continuing Employee RSU into either (i) a CME RSU that may be settled in CME's discretion in either cash or shares of CME Class A Common Stock, (ii) a deferred cash obligation or (iii) a mix thereof, in each case otherwise on substantially the same terms and conditions as were applicable under the Continuing Employee RSU (but taking into account any changes thereto, including any acceleration or vesting of a Continuing Employee RSU, provided for in the relevant GFI stock plan or in the related award document by reason of the GFI Merger). To the extent the Continuing Employee RSUs are converted into CME RSUs with respect to CME Class A Common Stock in accordance with the preceding sentence, the number of shares of CME Class A Common Stock subject to such CME RSU will be equal to the product of (i) the number of shares of GFI Common Stock subject to the Continuing Employee RSU multiplied by (ii) the Exchange Ratio, rounded down to the nearest whole share of CME Class A Common Stock.

        RSUs held by non-employee directors of GFI will vest in connection with the GFI Merger and, upon vesting, such accelerated RSUs will convert into shares of GFI Common Stock and non-employee directors of GFI will be entitled to receive the Merger Consideration.

        With respect to RSUs held by any persons other than a Continuing Employee or a non-employee director of GFI described above, each such RSU will be converted into an obligation of IDB Buyer. Such RSUs will generally be converted into a deferred cash obligation having substantially similar terms as the RSUs awards, and RSUs held by certain key IDB Employees will be converted into a combination of deferred cash awards and restricted equity awards and will be negotiated on an individual-by-individual basis. Each such RSU that is converted into either a deferred cash obligation or a deferred cash and restricted equity obligation will have the amount of the deferred cash or deferred cash and restricted equity subject to the award, as applicable, determined based on the number of shares of GFI Common Stock subject to each RSU prior to the Effective Time and the Merger Consideration. Each GFI Option will be canceled as of the completion of the GFI Merger for no consideration.


Risk Factors (Page [    ])

        The GFI Merger poses a number of risks to GFI and CME and their respective stockholders. In addition, both GFI and CME are subject to various risks associated with their businesses and industry generally. These risks are discussed in detail under the section entitled "Risk Factors" beginning on page [    ] of this proxy statement/prospectus.

 

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GFI Stockholders Entitled to Vote; Vote Required (Page [    ])

        The adoption of the GFI Merger Agreement requires the affirmative vote of (i) at least 662/3% of the shares of GFI Common Stock cast at the Special Meeting, provided that such affirmative vote represents at least a majority of the outstanding shares of GFI Common Stock and (ii) the holders of a majority of the outstanding shares of GFI Common Stock that are held by GFI Disinterested Stockholders. Votes to abstain will not be counted as votes cast in favor of the adoption of the GFI Merger Agreement but will count for the purpose of determining whether a quorum is present. If you fail to submit a proxy or to vote in person at the Special Meeting or if you vote to abstain, each will have the same effect as a vote "AGAINST" the GFI Merger Proposal.

        The proposal to approve, by non-binding, advisory vote, the "Golden Parachute" Compensation Proposal requires the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the shares of GFI Common Stock either present or represented by proxy and entitled to vote at the Special Meeting. For purposes of the "Golden Parachute" Compensation Proposal, if your shares of GFI Common Stock are present at the Special Meeting but are not voted on this proposal, or if you have given a proxy and abstained on this proposal, as applicable, this will have the effect of a vote "AGAINST" the "Golden Parachute" Compensation Proposal. If you fail to submit a proxy or to attend the Special Meeting or if your shares of GFI Common Stock are held through a bank, brokerage firm or other nominee and you do not instruct your bank, brokerage firm or other nominee to vote your shares of GFI Common Stock, your shares of GFI Common Stock will not be voted, but this will not have an effect on the vote to approve, on an advisory (non-binding) basis, the "Golden Parachute" Compensation Proposal.

        If the chairman of the Special Meeting does not adjourn the Special Meeting, an adjournment of the Special Meeting, if necessary or appropriate, to solicit additional proxies if there are insufficient votes at the time of the Special Meeting to adopt the GFI Merger Agreement, requires the affirmative vote of a majority of the voting power of the outstanding shares of capital stock of GFI entitled to vote generally in the election of directors, either present or represented by proxy at the Special Meeting. If your shares of GFI Common Stock are present at the Special Meeting but are not voted on the Adjournment Proposal, or if you have given a proxy and abstained on this proposal, as applicable, this will have the effect of a vote "AGAINST" the Adjournment Proposal. If you fail to submit a proxy or to attend the Special Meeting or if your shares of GFI Common Stock are held through a bank, brokerage firm or other nominee and you do not instruct your bank, brokerage firm or other nominee to vote your shares of GFI Common Stock, your shares of GFI Common Stock will not be voted, but this will not have an effect on a vote to approve the Adjournment Proposal.

        As of the Record Date, the directors and executive officers of GFI beneficially owned and were entitled to vote, in the aggregate, 49,420,882 shares of GFI Common Stock, representing approximately 38.8% of the outstanding shares of GFI Common Stock as of the close of business on the Record Date. The directors and executive officers of GFI have informed GFI that they currently intend to vote all such shares of GFI Common Stock "FOR" the GFI Merger Proposal. In addition, the GFI Supporting Stockholders entered into the GFI Support Agreement, which is attached as Annex E to this proxy statement/prospectus. Pursuant to the GFI Support Agreement, the GFI Supporting Stockholders, beneficial owners of approximately 37.8% of the outstanding shares of GFI Common Stock as of December 2, 2014, agreed, among other things, to vote their respective shares of GFI Common Stock "FOR" the GFI Merger Proposal and against, among other things, any Takeover Proposal (as defined in the section entitled "The GFI Merger Agreement—No Solicitation or Negotiation of Takeover Proposals" beginning on page [    ] of this proxy statement/prospectus).

 

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Recommendation of the Special Committee and the GFI Board; Reasons for the GFI Merger (Page [    ])

        The GFI Board formed the Special Committee, comprised of three independent directors (Marisa Cassoni, Frank Fanzilli, Jr. and Richard Magee), for the purpose of investigating, evaluating and negotiating any strategic alternatives, and, as appropriate, rejecting, or recommending to the GFI Board, the GFI Merger and the GFI Merger Agreement. On July 29, 2014, the Special Committee unanimously (i) determined that the GFI Merger Agreement and the GFI Merger are advisable, fair to and in the best interests of GFI and its stockholders, (ii) recommended that the GFI Board adopt and declare advisable the GFI Merger Agreement and the GFI Merger, (iii) directed that the GFI Merger Agreement be submitted to the GFI Board for its approval and recommendation to GFI Stockholders to adopt the GFI Merger Agreement and approve the GFI Merger and (iv) recommended that GFI Stockholders adopt the GFI Merger Agreement and approve the GFI Merger.

        On July 29, 2014, after considering such recommendation, the GFI Board (with Messrs. Gooch and Heffron abstaining) unanimously (i) determined that the GFI Merger Agreement and the GFI Merger are advisable, fair to and in the best interests of GFI and its stockholders, (ii) approved, adopted and declared advisable the GFI Merger Agreement and the GFI Merger and (iii) resolved to recommend the adoption of the GFI Merger Agreement and the approval of the GFI Merger to GFI Stockholders at the Special Meeting.

        On November 3, 2014, the Special Committee unanimously reaffirmed its recommendation in support of the GFI Merger Agreement, and, after careful consideration of the unanimous determination and recommendation of the Special Committee, the GFI Board (with Messrs. Gooch and Heffron abstaining) unanimously reaffirmed its recommendation in support of the GFI Merger Agreement.

        On December 1, 2014, the Special Committee unanimously determined to recommend that the GFI Board adopt and declare advisable the GFI Merger Agreement, as amended, and the GFI Merger, and, after careful consideration of the unanimous determination and recommendation of the Special Committee, the GFI Board (with Messrs. Gooch and Heffron abstaining) unanimously approved the GFI Merger Agreement, as amended, and determined to submit it to GFI Stockholders to vote upon its adoption and recommended GFI Stockholders to vote in favor of the GFI Merger Agreement, as amended.

        Accordingly, the GFI Board (other than Messrs. Gooch and Heffron, who abstained from the votes of the GFI Board) unanimously recommends that you vote "FOR" the GFI Merger Proposal. Messrs. Gooch and Heffron chose to abstain from the votes of the GFI Board on July 29, 2014, November 3, 2014 and December 1, 2014 because of their interests in the GFI Merger and the related transactions. Thus, the members of the GFI Board casting votes to approve the GFI Merger Agreement were also the members of the Special Committee.

        In evaluating the fairness and advisability of the GFI Merger Agreement, the Special Committee considered information with respect to GFI's financial condition, results of operations, businesses, competitive position and business strategy, on both a historical and prospective basis, as well as current industry, economic and market conditions and trends. The Special Committee considered the following factors, each of which the Special Committee believes supports its determination as to fairness:

 

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        In evaluating the fairness and advisability of the GFI Merger Agreement, the Special Committee also considered, among other factors, the following, each of which the Special Committee viewed as being generally negative or unfavorable:

 

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        In reaffirming its recommendation in support of the GFI Merger Agreement on November 3, 2014, the Special Committee considered numerous factors, including its view that the BGC Offer is conditional and places GFI and its stockholders at risk that it will not be consummated.

        The GFI Board consists of a majority of directors who have no direct or indirect interest in the GFI Merger different from the interests of GFI Stockholders generally. On July 29, 2014, the Special Committee, by unanimous vote, determined to recommend that the GFI Board adopt and declare advisable the GFI Merger Agreement and the GFI Merger. At a meeting that immediately followed the Special Committee meeting, the GFI Board (with Messrs. Gooch and Heffron abstaining) approved the GFI Merger Agreement and determined to submit it to GFI Stockholders to vote upon its adoption and recommended GFI Stockholders to vote in favor of the GFI Merger Agreement. On November 3, 2014, the Special Committee unanimously reaffirmed its recommendation in support of the GFI Merger Agreement, and, after careful consideration of the unanimous determination and recommendation of the Special Committee, the GFI Board (with Messrs. Gooch and Heffron abstaining) unanimously reaffirmed its recommendation in support of the GFI Merger Agreement. On December 1, 2014, the Special Committee unanimously determined to recommend that the GFI Board adopt and declare advisable the GFI Merger Agreement, as amended, and the GFI Merger, and, after careful consideration of the unanimous determination and recommendation of the Special Committee, the GFI Board (with Messrs. Gooch and Heffron abstaining) unanimously approved the GFI Merger Agreement, as amended, and determined to submit it to GFI Stockholders to vote upon its adoption and recommended GFI Stockholders to vote in favor of the GFI Merger Agreement, as amended.

        Messrs. Gooch and Heffron chose to abstain from the votes of the GFI Board on July 29, 2014, November 3, 2014 and December 1, 2014 because of their interests in the GFI Merger and the related transactions. Thus, the members of the GFI Board casting votes to approve the GFI Merger Agreement were also the members of the Special Committee.

        In particular, the GFI Board considered and adopted:


Opinion of Special Committee's Financial Advisor (Page [    ])

        On December 1, 2014, at a meeting of the Special Committee, Greenhill delivered to the Special Committee its oral opinion, which was subsequently confirmed by delivery of a written opinion dated December 1, 2014, that, as of such date and based upon the procedures followed and subject to assumptions made, matters considered and limitations on the scope of review undertaken by Greenhill as set forth in its written opinion, the Merger Consideration to be received by the holders of shares of GFI Common Stock (other than the JPI Holders) in the GFI Merger was fair, from a financial point of view, to such holders.

 

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        The full text of Greenhill's written opinion, dated December 1, 2014, which sets forth, among other things, the assumptions made, procedures followed, matters considered and limits on the opinion and the review undertaken in connection with rendering the opinion, is attached as Annex F to this proxy statement/prospectus and is incorporated herein by reference. The opinion was addressed to the Special Committee and addresses only the fairness, from a financial point of view, of the Merger Consideration to be received by the holders of shares of GFI Common Stock (other than the JPI Holders) in the GFI Merger to such holders. The opinion does not express a view as to any other aspect of the GFI Merger or the other transactions contemplated by the GFI Merger Agreement and does not constitute a recommendation to the Special Committee, the GFI Board or to any other person in respect of the GFI Merger, including as to how any holder of shares of GFI Common Stock should vote or act with respect to the approval of the GFI Merger or any other matter. The summary of Greenhill's opinion that is set forth below is qualified in its entirety by reference to the full text of the opinion. GFI Stockholders are urged to read the opinion in its entirety.


Ownership of CME Following the GFI Merger (Page [    ])

        Based on the number of shares of GFI Common Stock outstanding and issuable pursuant to the vesting of RSUs prior to the date the GFI Merger is expected to be completed and assuming the entire available cash consideration amount of $89 million is paid as part of the aggregate Merger Consideration, CME expects to issue approximately 6.89 million shares of CME Class A Common Stock to GFI Stockholders pursuant to the GFI Merger and the JPI Merger and reserve for issuance approximately 6,800 additional shares of CME Class A Common Stock in connection with the conversion or settlement of outstanding Continuing Employee RSUs. The actual number of shares of CME Class A Common Stock to be issued and reserved for issuance pursuant to the GFI Merger will be determined at completion of the GFI Merger based on the cash, stock and no election amounts, the Exchange Ratio and the number of shares of GFI Common Stock and Continuing Employee RSUs outstanding at that time. Based on the number of shares of GFI Common Stock outstanding and issuable pursuant to the vesting of RSUs prior to the date the GFI Merger is expected to be completed and assuming the entire available cash consideration amount of $89 million is paid as part of the aggregate Merger Consideration, and based on the number of shares of CME Class A Common Stock outstanding as of October 31, 2014, it is expected that, immediately after completion of the GFI Merger, former GFI Stockholders (including stockholders of JPI) will own approximately 2.05% of the outstanding shares of CME Class A Common Stock.


Certain Beneficial Owners of GFI Common Stock (Page [    ])

        As of the close of business on December 2, 2014, the directors and executive officers of GFI on such date were deemed to beneficially own an aggregate of 49,420,882 shares of GFI Common Stock, which represented approximately 38.8% of the shares of GFI Common Stock outstanding on that date.


Interests of GFI Directors and Executive Officers (Page [    ])

        The directors and executive officers of GFI have interests in the GFI Merger that are different from and in addition to those of GFI Stockholders generally. These interests include the treatment in the GFI Merger of RSUs, employment agreements, and other rights that may be held by directors and executive officers of GFI, and the indemnification of all past and present directors and officers of GFI by Merger Sub 2 as the surviving company in the GFI Subsequent Merger. In addition, Mr. Gooch and other directors and executive officers of GFI are stockholders of JPI, which will be subject to the JPI Merger immediately prior to, and conditioned upon, the GFI Merger, and, immediately after the JPI Merger and GFI Merger, IDB Buyer, an entity affiliated with Messrs. Gooch, Heffron and Brown, will purchase all of the issued and outstanding securities of the IDB Subsidiaries.

        In addition, the GFI Supporting Stockholders, including Messrs. Gooch, Heffron and Brown, directors and executive officers of GFI, entered into the GFI Support Agreement, which is attached as

 

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Annex E to this proxy statement/prospectus. Pursuant to the GFI Support Agreement, the GFI Supporting Stockholders, beneficial owners of approximately 37.8% of the outstanding shares of GFI Common Stock as of December 2, 2014, agreed, among other things, to vote their respective shares of GFI Common Stock "FOR" the GFI Merger Proposal and against, among other things, any Takeover Proposal. Additional details of the voting interests of GFI's directors and executive officers are described in the section entitled "Certain Beneficial Owners of GFI Common Stock—Security Ownership of Directors and Named Executive Officers and Certain Beneficial Owners" beginning on page [    ] of this proxy statement/prospectus.

        The Special Committee was aware of and considered these interests when it unanimously (i) determined that the GFI Merger Agreement and the GFI Merger are advisable, fair to, and in the best interests of GFI and its stockholders, (ii) approved the GFI Merger Agreement and the GFI Merger and recommended to the GFI Board that it adopt and declare advisable the GFI Merger Agreement and the GFI Merger and (iii) recommended that GFI Stockholders adopt the GFI Merger Agreement and approve the GFI Merger at the Special Meeting.


Listing of CME Class A Common Stock and Delisting and Deregistration of GFI Common Stock (Page [    ])

        CME will apply for listing on NASDAQ, where shares of CME Class A Common Stock are currently traded, of the shares of CME Class A Common Stock to be issued in the GFI Merger. If the GFI Merger is completed, the shares of CME Class A Common Stock to be issued in the GFI Merger will be listed on NASDAQ, and shares of GFI Common Stock will be delisted from the NYSE and deregistered under the Exchange Act, and GFI will no longer be required to file periodic reports with the SEC.

        Prior to the closing of the GFI Merger, GFI has agreed to use reasonable best efforts to take, or cause to be taken, all actions necessary, proper or advisable under applicable laws and rules and policies of the NYSE to enable such delisting and deregistration of GFI Common Stock under the Exchange Act on the closing date of the GFI Merger.


No Appraisal Rights (Page [    ])

        Holders of GFI Common Stock who dissent to the GFI Merger will not have rights to an appraisal of the fair value of their shares. Under the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware, which is referred to as the DGCL in this proxy statement/prospectus, appraisal rights are not available for the shares of any class or series if the shares of the class or series are listed on a national securities exchange or held of record by more than 2,000 holders on the Record Date, unless the stockholders are required to receive in exchange for their shares anything other than shares of stock of the surviving or resulting corporation or of any other corporation that is publicly listed or held by more than 2,000 holders of record, cash in lieu of fractional shares or fractional depositary receipts or any combination of the foregoing. GFI Common Stock is listed on the NYSE as of the Record Date, and GFI Stockholders may elect to receive shares of CME Class A Common Stock pursuant to the GFI Merger Agreement. Approval for the listing of the shares of CME Class A Common Stock on NASDAQ is a condition to completion of the GFI Merger.


Litigation Related to the GFI Merger (Page [    ])

        Following the announcement of the GFI Merger, nine putative class action complaints challenging the GFI Merger were filed on behalf of purported GFI Stockholders (one of which also purports to be brought derivatively on behalf of GFI), two in the Supreme Court of the State of New York, County of New York, six in the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware and one in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York. On October 6, 2014, a consolidation order was entered by Vice Chancellor Laster, consolidating the Delaware cases under the caption In re GFI Group Inc.

 

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Stockholder Litigation, Consolidated C.A. No. 10136-VCL, which is referred to as the Consolidated Delaware Action in this proxy statement/prospectus. The consolidation order designated the complaint filed in City of Lakeland Employees' Pension Plan v. Gooch, et al., Civil Action No. 10136-VCL (Del. Ch.) as the operative complaint in the Consolidated Delaware Action.

        The complaints name as defendants various combinations of GFI, IDB Buyer, the members of the GFI Board, GFI's managing director Mr. Brown, CME, Merger Sub 1, Merger Sub 2, Cheetah Acquisition Corp., Cheetah Acquisition LLC, JPI, and New JPI. The complaints generally allege, among other things, that the members of the GFI Board breached their fiduciary duties to GFI Stockholders during merger negotiations by entering into the GFI Merger Agreement and approving the GFI Merger, and that GFI, CME, Merger Sub 1, Merger Sub 2, IDB Buyer, Cheetah Acquisition Corp., Cheetah Acquisition LLC, JPI, and New JPI aided and abetted such breaches of fiduciary duties.

        Certain defendants have moved to dismiss or, in the alternative, stay the Coyne and Suprina complaints in favor of the Consolidated Delaware Action. A hearing was held on December 15, 2014 on (i) Defendants' motions to dismiss or stay the Coyne and Suprina actions; (ii) Plaintiffs' motion by order to show cause for consolidation and appointment of a leadership structure; and (iii) Plaintiff Suprina's motion by order to show cause to compel and expedite discovery. The parties are awaiting a ruling.

        On November 18, 2014, the Delaware court entered a Revised Order Setting Expedited Discovery Schedule in the Consolidated Delaware Action. On December 19, 2014, the court entered a Further Revised Scheduling Order scheduling a preliminary injunction hearing for January 16, 2015.

        On November 26, 2014, a putative class action complaint captioned Gross v. GFI Group, Inc., et al. was filed in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York. The complaint names GFI, Colin Heffron, Michael Gooch and Nick Brown as defendants and alleges violations of the federal securities laws. The complaint seeks, among other relief: (i) certification of the class, (ii) compensatory damages for defendants purported wrongdoing and (iii) reimbursement of costs and expenses.

        The defendants believe that the claims asserted against them are without merit and intend to defend the litigation vigorously.


Conditions to Completion of the GFI Merger (Page [    ])

        As more fully described in this proxy statement/prospectus and in the GFI Merger Agreement, and subject to the terms and conditions described in the GFI Merger Agreement, each party's obligation to consummate the GFI Merger is subject to the satisfaction or waiver, to the extent applicable, of the following conditions:

 

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        The obligations of CME, Merger Sub 1 and Merger Sub 2 to effect the GFI Merger also are subject to the satisfaction or waiver by CME at or prior to the closing date of the GFI Merger of certain conditions, including the following:

        GFI's obligation to effect the GFI Merger is also subject to the satisfaction or waiver by GFI at or prior to the closing date of the GFI Merger of the following additional conditions:


Directors and Management Following the GFI Merger (Page [    ])

        Neither the CME Board nor the executive officers of CME will change following the GFI Merger. Information about CME's directors and executive officers, including biographical information, executive compensation and relationships can be found in CME's proxy statement for the 2014 annual meeting of

 

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shareholders and Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year 2013, both of which have been filed by CME with the SEC and which are incorporated by reference into this proxy statement/prospectus. See the section entitled "Where You Can Find More Information" beginning on page [    ] of this proxy statement/prospectus.


Expected Timing of the GFI Merger (Page [    ])

        We anticipate completing the GFI Merger in early 2015 subject to approval of the GFI Merger Agreement by GFI Stockholders as specified herein and the satisfaction of other closing conditions set forth under the GFI Merger Agreement.


Regulatory Matters (Page [    ])

        GFI and CME have agreed to use their reasonable best efforts, subject to certain limitations, to obtain all regulatory approvals required to consummate the GFI Merger. These approvals include approvals under, or notices pursuant to, the HSR Act and certain foreign antitrust merger control laws including, but not limited to, the United Kingdom Financial Conduct Authority and the Monetary Authority of Singapore. In using their reasonable best efforts to obtain the required regulatory approvals, GFI and CME must consult and cooperate with the other party in connection with resolving any objections as may be asserted by any governmental entity under any of the HSR Act, certain foreign competition laws and any other laws or orders that are designed to prohibit, restrict or regulate actions having the purpose or effect of monopolization or restraint of trade, which are referred to, collectively, as the Antitrust Laws in this proxy statement/prospectus.

        However, under the terms of the GFI Merger Agreement, neither CME nor any subsidiary of CME will agree to or take any action, and none of GFI or any subsidiary of GFI will agree to or take any action without the prior written consent of CME, that would result in any Burdensome Condition. See the section entitled "The GFI Merger Agreement—Consents and Approvals" beginning on page [    ] of this proxy statement/prospectus.

        FTC staff has informally advised counsel to the parties to the GFI Merger that based on the structure and facts presented to staff, no filings will be required under the HSR Act in connection with the GFI Merger as a result of the activities of the parties involved and the structure of the transactions.

        At any time before or after the GFI Merger, the Antitrust Division, the FTC, a state attorney general, or a foreign competition authority could take action under the Antitrust Laws as it deems necessary or desirable in the public interest, including seeking to enjoin the GFI Merger or seeking divestiture of substantial assets of CME or its subsidiaries, Merger Sub 1 or Merger Sub 2. Private parties may also bring legal actions under the Antitrust Laws under certain circumstances. There can be no assurance that a challenge to the GFI Merger on antitrust grounds will not be made or, if a challenge is made, of the result of such challenge.

        On December 9, 2014, the United Kingdom Financial Conduct Authority issued a notice of approval to approve the change of control resulting from the transactions contemplated by the GFI Merger Agreement, JPI Merger Agreement and IDB Purchase Agreement. On December 3, 2014, the Monetary Authority of Singapore issued a letter of acknowledgement with respect to the change of control resulting from the transactions contemplated by the GFI Merger Agreement, JPI Merger Agreement and IDB Purchase Agreement.


GFI is Prohibited from Soliciting Other Offers (Page [    ])

        As more fully described in this proxy statement/prospectus and in the GFI Merger Agreement, and subject to the terms and conditions described in the GFI Merger Agreement, the GFI Merger

 

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Agreement provides that neither GFI nor any of its subsidiaries nor any of their respective representatives will, directly or indirectly:


Fiduciary Exception

        At any time prior to the approval of the GFI Merger Agreement by GFI Stockholders, if the GFI Board (upon recommendation of the Special Committee) has determined in good faith after consultation with outside legal counsel and its independent financial advisor that an unsolicited bona fide written Takeover Proposal received after the date of the GFI Merger Agreement either constitutes a Superior Proposal or could be reasonably likely to result in a Superior Proposal, then GFI may:


No Change in Recommendation (Page [    ])

        Subject to certain exceptions described in the section entitled "The GFI Merger Agreement—No Change in Recommendation" beginning on page [    ] of this proxy statement/prospectus, the GFI Board and each committee of the GFI Board (including the Special Committee) may not:

 

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        Any of the foregoing actions is referred to as a Change in Recommendation in this proxy statement/prospectus.


Fiduciary Exception and Negotiation with CME

        At any time before the adoption of the GFI Merger Agreement, the GFI Board may, in response to a Superior Proposal or an Intervening Event (as defined under the section entitled "The GFI Merger Agreement—No Change in Recommendation" beginning on page [    ] of this proxy statement/prospectus), effect a Change in Recommendation under the following circumstances:


Stockholders Meeting and GFI Board Recommendation (Page [    ])

        Notwithstanding any Change in Recommendation, GFI is required to take all lawful action to convene and hold the Special Meeting to consider and vote upon the adoption of the GFI Merger Agreement not more than 45 days after the registration statement on Form S-4 filed by CME, of which this proxy statement/prospectus forms a part, is declared effective by the SEC. The GFI Board is required to recommend in this proxy statement/prospectus and at the Special Meeting that GFI Stockholders adopt the GFI Merger Agreement, and use its reasonable best efforts to obtain and solicit such adoption, subject to the fiduciary exceptions in the GFI Merger Agreement.


Termination of the GFI Merger Agreement (Page [    ])

        As more fully described in this proxy statement/prospectus and in the GFI Merger Agreement, and subject to the terms and conditions described in the GFI Merger Agreement, the GFI Merger Agreement may be terminated and the GFI Merger may be abandoned at any time prior to the Effective Time:

 

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Termination Fees and Expenses (Page [    ])

        As more fully described in this proxy statement/prospectus and in the GFI Merger Agreement, and subject to the terms and conditions described in the GFI Merger Agreement, GFI will pay CME a termination fee of $23,426,111 (net of any expense reimbursement paid by GFI to CME up to $6,693,175 as described below) if:

 

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and, in each case as set forth above, within 12 months of such termination GFI consummates, or enters into a definitive agreement to consummate, a transaction contemplated by any Takeover Proposal, regardless of when made or thereafter consummated.

        If either CME or GFI terminates the GFI Merger Agreement after the failure to obtain the approval of the GFI Merger Proposal at the Special Meeting or any adjournments or postponements thereof, then GFI must reimburse CME for all of its reasonable and documented expenses up to a maximum amount of $6,693,175.

        If either CME or GFI terminates the GFI Merger Agreement upon (i) the failure to consummate the GFI Merger by March 15, 2015, (ii) a Restraint Termination Event or (iii) the termination of either the JPI Merger Agreement or the IDB Purchase Agreement in accordance with its terms, in each case, in connection with any failure to obtain any required regulatory approval, then GFI must reimburse CME for all of its reasonable expenses up to a maximum amount of $10,000,000.


United States Federal Income Tax Consequences of the GFI Merger (Page [    ])

        It is a condition to the GFI Merger that both CME and GFI receive opinions from their respective legal counsel to the effect that, for United States federal income tax purposes, the GFI Merger will qualify as a "reorganization" within the meaning of Section 368(a) of the Code. Provided that the GFI Merger qualifies as a "reorganization" within the meaning of Section 368(a) of the Code, a GFI Stockholder generally will not recognize gain or loss for United States federal income tax purposes as a result of such stockholder's shares of GFI Common Stock being exchanged in the GFI Merger solely for shares of CME Class A Common Stock, except with respect to the receipt of cash in lieu of a fractional share of CME Class A Common Stock. A GFI Stockholder who exchanges such stockholder's shares of GFI Common Stock solely for cash in the GFI Merger will recognize gain or loss. A GFI Stockholder who exchanges such stockholder's shares of GFI Common Stock for a combination of CME Class A Common Stock and cash will recognize gain, but not loss. Such stockholder's taxable gain in that case will not exceed the cash the stockholder receives in the GFI Merger.

        The discussion of the United States federal income tax consequences of the GFI Merger contained in this proxy statement/prospectus is intended to provide only a general summary and is not a complete analysis or description of all potential United States federal income tax consequences of the GFI Merger. The discussion does not address tax consequences that may vary with, or are contingent on, individual circumstances. In addition, it does not address the effects of any state, local, non-United States or non-income tax laws.

        GFI Stockholders are strongly urged to consult with their tax advisors regarding the tax consequences of the GFI Merger to them, including the effects of United States federal, state, local and non-United States tax laws.

        For a more complete description of the United States federal income tax consequences of the GFI Merger, see the section entitled "The GFI Merger—United States Federal Income Tax Consequences of the GFI Merger" beginning on page [    ] of this proxy statement/prospectus.

 

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Accounting Treatment (Page [    ])

        CME will account for the GFI Merger as a purchase of the business, which requires the assets and liabilities of GFI to be measured and recorded at their fair value. The results of operations of GFI will be included in CME's Consolidated Statements of Income from and after the effective time that control of GFI transfers to CME, which will occur on the date of the GFI Merger. The purchase method of accounting is based on the Financial Accounting Standards Board's Accounting Standards Codification Topic 805, Business Combinations.


JPI Merger Agreement (Page [    ])

        Concurrently with the execution of the GFI Merger Agreement, CME, Cheetah Acquisition Corp., a Delaware corporation and wholly-owned subsidiary of CME and which is referred to as Merger Sub 3 in this proxy statement/prospectus, Cheetah Acquisition LLC, a Delaware limited liability company and a wholly-owned subsidiary of CME and which is referred to as Merger Sub 4 in this proxy statement/prospectus, JPI, New JPI, and Messrs. Gooch, Heffron and Brown entered into the JPI Merger Agreement, which is attached as Annex D to this proxy statement/prospectus, pursuant to which Merger Sub 3 will merge with and into New JPI with New JPI continuing as the surviving corporation and which is referred to as the JPI Merger in this proxy statement/prospectus, and immediately thereafter New JPI as the surviving corporation will merge with and into Merger Sub 4, with Merger Sub 4 continuing as the surviving company and a wholly-owned subsidiary of CME and which is referred to as the JPI Subsequent Merger in this proxy statement/prospectus.

        At the effective time of the JPI Merger, each issued and outstanding share of New JPI Common Stock will be converted into and will thereafter represent the right to receive a fraction of a share of CME Class A Common Stock equal to a fraction, the numerator of which equals the aggregate number of shares of CME Class A Common Stock that would be payable with respect to the 46,464,240 shares of GFI Common Stock beneficially owned by New JPI as if such shares were converted into the Merger Consideration provided for in the GFI Merger Agreement as stock election shares and the denominator of which equals the maximum number of shares of New JPI Common Stock that could be issued and outstanding immediately prior to the effective time of the JPI Merger following the consummation of the reorganization of JPI, provided that, to the extent all of the available cash consideration in the GFI Merger has not been allocated, up to 13% of the total JPI merger consideration shall be paid in cash. The purpose of the JPI Merger Agreement is to provide New JPI's stockholders the same tax-free consideration they would receive in the GFI Merger if they held the GFI Common Stock owned by New JPI directly as GFI Stockholders, subject to any portion of the JPI merger consideration that becomes payable in cash as described above.


IDB Purchase Agreement (Page [    ])

        Concurrently with the execution of the GFI Merger Agreement, IDB Buyer, an entity affiliated with Messrs. Gooch, Heffron and Brown, entered into the IDB Purchase Agreement, which is attached as Annex C to this proxy statement/prospectus, with Merger Sub 2, JPI (solely for purposes of Article IX therein), New JPI (solely for purposes of Article IX therein) and CME (solely for purposes of Article IX therein), pursuant to which IDB Buyer, a private consortium of GFI management, led by Mr. Gooch and certain other members of GFI management (including Mr. Heffron), will purchase from Merger Sub 2, and Merger Sub 2 will sell, transfer and assign to IDB Buyer, all of Merger Sub 2's right, title and interest in and to all of the issued and outstanding securities of the IDB Subsidiaries immediately after consummation of the JPI Merger and GFI Merger for consideration of $254,000,000 in cash and the assumption, at closing, of approximately $72,000,000 of unvested deferred compensation related to RSUs and other liabilities.

 

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GFI Support Agreement (Page [    ])

        Concurrently with the execution of the GFI Merger Agreement, CME entered into the GFI Support Agreement, which is attached as Annex E to this proxy statement/prospectus, with the GFI Supporting Stockholders. The shares of GFI Common Stock subject to the GFI Support Agreement constituted approximately 37.8% of the total issued and outstanding shares of GFI Common Stock as of December 2, 2014. Under the GFI Support Agreement, the GFI Supporting Stockholders agreed, among other things, to vote or cause to be voted their shares in favor of adoption of the GFI Merger Agreement and the related transactions and any other action requested by CME in furtherance thereof. The GFI Support Agreement will terminate upon the earliest of (i) the effective date of the GFI Merger, (ii) termination by mutual written consent of the parties, (iii) certain Qualifying Termination of the GFI Merger Agreement (as defined under the section entitled "GFI Support Agreement—Termination" beginning on page [    ] of this proxy statement/prospectus) or (iv) the expiration of the Tail Period.


Commitment Letter (Page [    ])

        In connection with the IDB Purchase Agreement, on December 2, 2014, GFI Holdco Inc., which is referred to as IDB Parent in this proxy statement/prospectus, a Delaware corporation and indirect parent of IDB Buyer, entered into an amended and restated commitment letter, which is referred to as the Commitment Letter in this proxy statement/prospectus and attached as Annex D to this proxy statement/prospectus, with Jefferies Finance LLC, which is referred to as Jefferies in this proxy statement/prospectus, that amends, restates and supersedes a commitment letter originally entered into by IDB Parent on July 30, 2014. Pursuant to the Commitment Letter, Jefferies has committed, subject to customary conditions, to provide IDB Buyer with debt financing for the transactions contemplated by the IDB Purchase Agreement. The debt financing under the Commitment Letter is anticipated to consist of a senior secured first lien term loan facility in an aggregate principal amount of up to $225,000,000, which is referred to as the First Lien Facility in this proxy statement/prospectus, and a senior secured second lien term loan facility in an aggregate principal amount of up to $95,000,000, which is referred to as the Second Lien Facility in this proxy statement/prospectus.


BGC Proposal (Page [    ])

        On September 9, 2014, BGC publicly announced a plan to commence a tender offer for 100% of the outstanding shares of GFI Common Stock at $5.25 per share in cash. On September 11, 2014, upon the unanimous recommendation of the Special Committee, which was determined in good faith after consultation with its outside legal counsel and independent financial advisor, the GFI Board (with Mr. Gooch abstaining and Mr. Heffron not present) determined that the BGC Proposal could reasonably be expected to lead to a Superior Proposal. On October 22, 2014, BGC Purchaser commenced the BGC Offer. On November 4, 2014, GFI filed with the SEC a solicitation/recommendation statement on Schedule 14D-9 setting forth the Special Committee's and the GFI Board's respective recommendations that GFI Stockholders reject the BGC Offer and not tender their shares of GFI Common Stock pursuant to the BGC Offer, as well as the reaffirmation of their respective recommendations in support of the GFI Merger Agreement. On November 6, 2014, BGC issued a press release responding to GFI's solicitation/recommendation statement and reaffirming its commitment to completing the BGC Offer.

        On November 12, 2014, BGC and BGC Purchaser filed Amendment No. 1 to the Schedule TO, which narrowed several of the conditions to the BGC Offer. On November 19, 2014, BGC and BGC Purchaser filed Amendment No. 2 to the Schedule TO regarding, among others, the receipt of approval from the United Kingdom Financial Conduct Authority for BGC's consummation of the BGC Offer. On November 20, 2014, BGC Purchaser extended the BGC Offer until 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on December 9, 2014, unless further extended. On November 28, 2014, GFI filed with the SEC

 

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Amendment No. 2 to Schedule 14D-9 informing GFI Stockholders that, as of the date thereof, discussions regarding the terms and conditions of the BGC Offer were ongoing between the Special Committee's advisors and BGC's advisors, including negotiations regarding the terms of an agreement relating to the BGC Offer. On December 9, 2014, BGC issued a press release announcing the extension of the BGC Offer until 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on January 6, 2015, unless further extended, and the satisfaction of the regulatory closing condition under the BGC Offer. On December 10, 2014, BGC and BGC Purchaser filed Amendment No. 4 to the Schedule TO extending the BGC Offer and lowering the minimum tender condition under the BGC Offer to 45% of the outstanding shares of GFI Common Stock.

        On December 11, 2014, Shaun D. Lynn, President of BGC, sent a letter to the GFI Board and the Special Committee notifying them of BGC's revised proposal to purchase all outstanding shares of GFI Common Stock for $5.45 per share in cash.

        On December 12, 2014, the Special Committee met with representatives of White & Case, RLF and Greenhill to review the Revised BGC Proposal. At the meeting, the members of the Special Committee, in consultation with representatives of White & Case, RLF and Greenhill, reviewed the Revised BGC Proposal. The Special Committee unanimously determined that the Revised BGC Proposal could reasonably be expected to lead to a "Superior Proposal" (as defined in the GFI Merger Agreement) and resolved to recommend that the GFI Board determine the same, which is referred to as the Special Committee's Recommendation in this proxy statement/prospectus. That same day, the Special Committee requested that GFI convene a meeting of the GFI Board to act on the Special Committee's Recommendation. A meeting of the GFI Board was held on December 18, 2014.

        At the December 18 meeting of the GFI Board, members of the GFI Board asked questions about the status of discussions with BGC and about the Revised BGC Proposal.

        The GFI Board decided to reconvene to further discuss the Revised BGC Proposal and to vote on whether the Revised BGC Proposal could reasonably be expected to lead to a "Superior Proposal" (as defined in the GFI Merger Agreement).

        On December 19, 2014, BGC and BGC Purchaser filed Amendment No. 5 to the Schedule TO to reflect the revised proposal to purchase all outstanding shares of GFI Common Stock for $5.45 per share in cash.

        A meeting of the GFI Board was held on December 20, 2014, at which the GFI Board further discussed the Revised BGC Proposal.

        For a more complete description of the BGC Proposal and the BGC Offer, see the section entitled "The GFI Merger—Background of the GFI Merger" beginning on page [    ] of this proxy statement/prospectus.

        The GFI Board unanimously recommends that GFI Stockholders adopt the GFI Merger Agreement and approve the GFI Merger.


Comparison of Rights of CME Stockholders and GFI Stockholders (Page [    ])

        The rights of GFI Stockholders are currently governed by the GFI Charter, the GFI Bylaws and the DGCL. Following the GFI Merger, GFI Stockholders will become stockholders of CME, which are referred to as CME Stockholders in this proxy statement/prospectus, and their rights will be governed by CME's fourth amended and restated certificate of incorporation and tenth amended and restated bylaws, which are referred to as the CME Charter and the CME Bylaws, respectively, in this proxy statement/prospectus, and by the DGCL. Your rights under the CME Charter and the CME Bylaws will differ in some respects from your rights under the GFI Charter and the GFI Bylaws.

 

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SELECTED HISTORICAL CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL DATA OF CME

        The following table sets forth selected consolidated financial information for CME. CME derived the selected statement of operations data for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and September 30, 2013 and the selected balance sheet as of September 30, 2014 and September 30, 2013 from CME's unaudited consolidated financial statements. CME derived the selected statement of operations data for each of the years in the five year period ended December 31, 2013 and the selected balance sheet data as of December 31 for each of the years in the five year period ended December 31, 2013 from CME's consolidated audited financial statements. The following information is only a summary and is not necessarily indicative of the results of future operations of CME or the combined company, and you should read the information together with CME's consolidated financial statements, the notes related thereto and management's related reports on CME's financial condition and performance, all of which are contained in CME's reports filed with the SEC and incorporated herein by reference. See "Where You Can Find More Information" beginning on page [    ] in this proxy statement/prospectus.

 
  Unaudited as of and for
the Nine Months Ended
September 30,
  Years Ended or At December 31,  
(in millions, except per share data)
  2014   2013   2013   2012   2011   2010   2009  

Income Statement Data:

                                           

Total revenues

  $ 2,271.4   $ 2,249.3   $ 2,936.3   $ 2,914.6   $ 3,280.6   $ 3,003.7   $ 2,612.8  

Operating income

    1,296.9     1,313.8     1,637.0     1,692.0     2,021.1     1,831.1     1,589.1  

Non-operating income (expense)

    0.7     (19.8 )   (36.0 )   1.4     (84.6 )   (109.2 )   (151.6 )

Income before income taxes

    1,297.6     1,294.0     1,601.0     1,693.4     1,936.5     1,721.9     1,437.5  

Net income attributable to CME

    820.6     783.7     976.8     896.3     1,812.3     951.4     825.8  

Earnings per common share attributable to CME:

                                           

Basic

    2.46     2.36     2.94     2.71     5.45     2.87     2.49  

Diluted

    2.44     2.35     2.92     2.70     5.43     2.86     2.48  

Cash dividends per share

    1.41     1.35     4.40     3.70     1.12     0.92     0.92  

Balance Sheet Data:

                                           

Total assets

    63,970.3     48,979.9     54,277.8     38,863.2     40,758.7     35,046.1     35,651.0  

Short-term debt

        749.7     749.9     749.7         420.5     299.8  

Long-term debt

    2,107.7     2,107.0     2,107.2     2,106.8     2,106.8     2,104.8     2,014.7  

CME Shareholders' equity

  $ 21,537.1   $ 21,972.3   $ 21,154.8   $ 21,419.1   $ 21,552.0   $ 20,060.1   $ 19,301.0  

 

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SELECTED HISTORICAL CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL DATA OF GFI

        The following table presents selected historical consolidated financial data of GFI. The selected financial data of GFI for each of the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, and as of December 31, 2013 and 2012 are derived from GFI's audited consolidated financial statements and related notes contained in its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013, which is incorporated by reference into this proxy statement/prospectus. The selected financial data of GFI for each of the years ended December 31, 2010 and 2009, and as of December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009, have been derived from GFI's 2013 Form 10-K Item 6. Selected Financial Data, which is incorporated by reference into this proxy statement/prospectus.

        The selected financial data for GFI as of September 30, 2014, and for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and September 30, 2013 are primarily derived from GFI's unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements and related notes contained in its Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the nine months ended September 30, 2014, which is incorporated by reference into this proxy statement/prospectus. In addition, the unaudited selected financial data for GFI included below in Selected Statistical Data and Brokerage Revenues by Geographic Region was derived from Current Reports on Form 8-K filed in 2014 and which are incorporated by reference into this proxy statement/prospectus. The unaudited financial data presented have been prepared on a basis consistent with GFI's audited consolidated financial statements. In the opinion of GFI's management, such unaudited financial data reflect all adjustments, consisting only of normal and recurring adjustments, necessary for a fair presentation of the results for those periods. The results of operations for the interim periods are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the full year or any future period.

 
  Nine Months ended
September 30,
  Year ended December 31,  
 
  2014   2013   2013   2012   2011   2010   2009  
 
  (In thousands, except share and per share data)
 

Consolidated Statements of Operations Data:

                                           

Revenues

                                           

Agency commissions           

  $ 343,410   $ 358,413   $ 461,691   $ 484,386   $ 561,026   $ 534,239   $ 481,326  

Principal transactions

    139,090     143,468     183,714     211,159     235,580     215,563     270,378  
                               

Total brokerage revenues

    482,500     501,881     645,405     695,545     796,606     749,802     751,704  

Clearing services revenues

    89,139     110,225     139,136     118,011     112,735     41,878      

Interest income from clearing services           

    1,679     1,623     2,193     1,964     2,300     671      

Equity in net earnings of unconsolidated businesses

    4,686     6,925     8,166     8,569     10,466     3,974     1,574  

Software, analytics and market data               

    77,455     66,438     90,538     84,153     73,620     60,637     54,347  

Other income, net

    13,686     12,011     16,012     16,345     19,746     5,640     12,656  
                               

Total revenues

  $ 669,145   $ 699,103   $ 901,450   $ 924,587   $ 1,015,473   $ 862,602   $ 820,281  

 

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  Nine Months ended
September 30,
  Year ended December 31,  
 
  2014   2013   2013   2012   2011   2010   2009  
 
  (In thousands, except share and per share data)
 

Total interest and transaction-based expenses

  $ 99,410   $ 122,914   $ 154,490   $ 137,542   $ 134,702   $ 67,558   $ 30,354  
                               

Revenues, net of interest and transaction-based expenses

    569,735     576,189     746,960     787,045     880,771     795,044     789,927  
                               

Expenses

                                           

Compensation and employee benefits

    390,420     392,737     516,222     546,501     627,368     558,248     583,315  

Other expenses(1)

    310,276     176,926     252,083     241,801     253,321     204,993     183,342  
                               

Total other expenses

  $ 700,696   $ 569,663   $ 768,305   $ 788,302   $ 880,689   $ 763,241   $ 766,657  
                               

 

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  Nine Months ended
September 30,
  Year ended December 31,  
 
  2014   2013   2013   2012   2011   2010   2009  
 
  (In thousands, except share and per share data)
 

(Loss) income before (benefit from) provision for income taxes

    (130,961 )   6,526     (21,345 )   (1,257 )   82     31,803     23,270  

(Benefit from) provision for income taxes

    (30,239 )   (5,267 )   (2,273 )   8,387     2,647     5,884     6,982  
                               

Net (loss) income before attribution to non-controlling stockholders

    (100,722 )   11,793     (19,072 )   (9,644 )   (2,565 )   25,919     16,288  

Less: Net income attributable to non-controlling interests

    762     889     926     309     616     304      
                               

GFI's net (loss) income

  $ (101,484 ) $ 10,904   $ (19,998 ) $ (9,953 ) $ (3,181 ) $ 25,615   $ 16,288  
                               

Earnings Per Share

                                           

Basic (loss) earnings per share available to common stockholders

  $ (0.82 ) $ 0.09   $ (0.17 ) $ (0.09 ) $ (0.03 ) $ 0.21   $ 0.14  
                               
                               

Diluted (loss) earnings per share available to common stockholders

  $ (0.82 ) $ 0.09   $ (0.17 ) $ (0.09 ) $ (0.03 ) $ 0.20   $ 0.13  
                               
                               

Weighted average number of shares outstanding

                                           

Basic

    124,237,643     118,138,756     119,052,908     116,014,202     118,334,995     120,275,918     118,178,493  

Diluted

    124,237,643     126,858,459     119,052,908     116,014,202     118,334,995     125,522,128     121,576,767  

Dividends declared per share of common stock

  $ 0.10   $ 0.10   $ 0.15   $ 0.25   $ 0.20   $ 0.45   $ 0.20  

(1)
Other expenses is Total other expenses excluding Compensation and employee benefits.

 

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  Nine Months ended
September 30,
  Year Ended December 31,  
 
  2014   2013   2013   2012   2011   2010   2009  
 
  (In thousands except headcount data)
 

Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition Data:

                                           

Cash and cash equivalents

  $ 165,850   $ 168,878   $ 174,606   $ 227,441   $ 245,879   $ 313,875   $ 342,379  

Total assets(1)

    1,474,061     1,531,750     1,161,542     1,180,061     1,190,549     1,273,804     954,874  

Total debt

    250,000     250,000     250,000     250,000     250,000     192,446     173,688  

Total stockholders' equity

    300,918     433,652     407,276     425,082     447,212     494,111     487,502  

Selected Statistical Data:

                                           

Brokerage personnel headcount(2)

    1,058     1,144     1,121     1,188     1,271     1,161     1,082  

Employee headcount

    2,037     2,072     2,087     2,062     2,176     1,990     1,768  

Broker productivity for the period(3)

  $ 450   $ 433   $ 560   $ 562   $ 647   $ 669   $ 705  

Brokerage Revenues by Geographic Region:

                                           

Americas

  $ 171,235   $ 201,518   $ 260,503   $ 274,498   $ 311,519   $ 293,344   $ 325,359  

Europe, Middle East & Africa

    255,582     244,467     314,417     345,069     392,895     379,660     364,752  

Asia

    55,683     55,896     70,485     75,978     92,192     76,798     61,593  
                               

Total

  $ 482,500   $ 501,881   $ 645,405   $ 695,545   $ 796,606   $ 749,802   $ 751,704  
                               
                               

(1)
Total assets included receivables from brokers, dealers and clearing organizations of $295.7 million, $252.7 million, $251.8 million, $270.7 million, and $98.8 million at December 31, 2013, 2012, 2011, 2010 and 2009, respectively, and $723.9 million and $647.0 million at September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively. These receivables primarily represent securities transactions entered into in connection with GFI's matched principal business, which have not settled as of the respective reporting dates, as well as balances with clearing organizations. These receivables are substantially offset by the corresponding payables to brokers, dealers and clearing organizations, and to clearing customers, for these unsettled transactions.

(2)
Brokerage personnel headcount includes brokers, trainees and clerks. As of September 30, 2014, we employed 897 brokers and 161 trainees and clerks.

(3)
We are presenting broker productivity to show the average amount of revenue generated per broker. Broker productivity is calculated by dividing brokerage revenues by average brokerage personnel headcount for the period.

 

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COMPARATIVE HISTORICAL AND UNAUDITED PRO FORMA PER SHARE DATA

        The following summary unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial data give effect to the anticipated GFI Merger under the purchase method of accounting. For purposes of preparing the unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial data, the GFI Merger is assumed to have occurred as of or at the beginning of the period presented for the income statement data and as of the end of the period for the balance sheet data.

        The summary unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial data are presented for illustrative purposes only and should not be read for any other purpose. You should not rely on this information as being indicative of the historical results that would have been achieved had the companies always been combined or the future results that CME will experience after the GFI Merger. The summary unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial data have been derived from and should be read in conjunction with the historical consolidated financial statements of CME and GFI incorporated by reference in this proxy statement/prospectus. See the sections entitled "Where You Can Find More Information" beginning on page [    ] of this proxy statement/prospectus.

 
   
   
   
  Equivalent
Basis
Unaudited
Pro Forma
Combined(1)
 
 
  Historical    
 
 
  Unaudited
Pro Forma
Combined
 
 
  CME   GFI  

Basic Earnings Per Share Attributable To Common Stockholders(2)(3)

                         

Nine Months Ended September 30, 2014

  $ 2.46   $ (0.82 ) $ 2.09   $ 0.13  

Year Ended December 31, 2013

  $ 2.94   $ (0.17 ) $ 2.80   $ 0.18  

Diluted Earnings Per Share Attributable To Common Stockholders(2)(3)

                         

Nine Months Ended September 30, 2014

  $ 2.44   $ (0.82 ) $ 2.08   $ 0.13  

Year Ended December 31, 2013

  $ 2.92   $ (0.17 ) $ 2.78   $ 0.17  

Cash Dividends Declared Per Share(4)

                         

Nine Months Ended September 30, 2014

  $ 1.41   $ 0.10   $ 1.51   $ 0.09  

Year Ended December 31, 2013

  $ 4.40   $ 0.15   $ 4.55   $ 0.28  

Book Value Per Share Attributable To Common Stockholders(5)(6)

                         

As of September 30, 2014

  $ 64.29   $ 2.36   $ 64.81   $ 4.05  

As of December 31, 2013

  $ 63.37   $ 3.30   $ 63.93   $ 4.00  

(1)
The per share amounts are calculated by multiplying the unaudited pro forma combined per share amounts by an exchange ratio of 0.0625 shares of CME Class A Common Stock for each share of GFI Common Stock. The actual exchange ratio at the closing of the GFI Merger will be determined based on the average of the closing sale prices of CME Class A Common Stock, as reported on NASDAQ, for the ten trading days ending upon and including the trading day immediately before the closing date of the GFI Merger. The exchange ratio used to calculate pro forma amounts is based on a GFI Merger closing date of December 3, 2014.

(2)
The pro forma amounts include (a) a net income adjustment of $6 million to reflect the after-tax impact of amortization expense for an estimated $220 million of definite-life intangible assets calculated using the straight-line method over a weighted average estimated life of 14 years and (b) the issuance of 7 million incremental shares, representing the number of shares that would have been issued in respect of the issued and outstanding shares of GFI Common Stock outstanding as of September 30, 2014, as part of the per share merger consideration.

 

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(3)
The pro forma amounts include (a) a net income adjustment of $8 million to reflect the after-tax impact of amortization expense for an estimated $220 million of definite-life intangible assets calculated using the straight-line method over an average estimated life of 14 years and (b) the issuance of 7 million incremental shares, representing the number of shares that would have been issued in respect of the issued and outstanding shares of GFI Common Stock outstanding as of December 31, 2013, as part of the per share merger consideration.

(4)
Pro forma combined cash dividends declared per share are the same as the historical amount of cash dividends declared per share. Under CME's current dividend policy, current year dividends are a function of the prior year's cash earnings, calculated as net income plus depreciation and amortization expense (excluding amortization of landlord-funded amounts), plus tax-effected stock-based compensation, plus tax-effected amortization of purchased intangibles, less capital expenditures excluding landlord-funded amounts. CME may also pay an annual variable cash dividend which is determined by the end of each year. The level of the variable cash dividend will increase or decrease from year to year based on operating results, potential merger and acquisition activity, and other forms of capital return including regular dividends and share buybacks during the year. The decision to pay a dividend, however, remains at the discretion of the CME Board.

(5)
Book value per share represents the total stockholders' equity as of December 31, 2013 or September 30, 2014 divided by the number of shares outstanding as of December 31, 2013 (treasury netted) and September 30, 2014 (treasury netted), respectively.

(6)
Pro forma amounts include an adjustment to reflect the stock issued as part of the transaction. The amount of stock to be issued assumes the entire available cash consideration amount of $89 million is paid as part of the aggregate Merger Consideration as the result of cash election and no election shares. The amount of stock to be issued was estimated using outstanding shares of GFI Common Stock of 128 million at November 30, 2014, an exchange ratio of 0.0625 shares of CME Class A Common Stock for each share of GFI Common Stock and CME's closing stock price of $85.61 on December 2, 2014.

 

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COMPARATIVE PER SHARE MARKET PRICE AND DIVIDEND INFORMATION

        Shares of CME Class A Common Stock are listed and traded on NASDAQ under the symbol "CME." The following table sets forth, for the calendar quarters indicated, the high and low sales closing prices per share of CME Class A Common Stock, as reported on NASDAQ, as adjusted for all stock splits or stock dividends. In addition, the table also sets forth the quarterly cash dividends per share declared by CME with respect to its Class A Common Stock.

        GFI Common Stock has been listed on the NYSE under the symbol "GFIG" since October 5, 2010. Prior to that date, GFI Common Stock was listed on NASDAQ since January 26, 2005. Prior to that time, there was no public market for GFI Common Stock. Set forth below, for the periods indicated, is the low and high sales prices per share of GFI Common Stock as reported on the NYSE, as well as the dividends per share of GFI Common Stock. Pursuant to the terms of the GFI Merger Agreement, GFI is not permitted, subject to certain exceptions, to pay any dividends from the date of the GFI Merger Agreement to the Effective Time.

 
  CME   GFI  
 
  High   Low   Dividends
Declared
  High   Low   Dividends
Declared
 

For the quarterly period ended:

                                     

2012

                                     

March 31, 2012

  $ 59.73   $ 45.20   $ 1.05   $ 4.93   $ 3.64   $ 0.05  

June 30, 2012

  $ 58.24   $ 50.70   $ 0.45   $ 3.79   $ 2.20   $ 0.05  

September 30, 2012

  $ 59.35   $ 49.83   $ 0.45   $ 3.60   $ 2.69   $ 0.05  

December 31, 2012

  $ 57.89   $ 50.12   $ 1.75   $ 3.40   $ 2.38   $ 0.10  

2013

                                     

March 31, 2013

  $ 63.14   $ 51.34   $ 0.45   $ 3.71   $ 3.07   $ 0.00  

June 30, 2013

  $ 77.28   $ 58.53   $ 0.45   $ 4.44   $ 3.25   $ 0.05  

September 30, 2013

  $ 77.61   $ 70.47   $ 0.45   $ 4.58   $ 3.78   $ 0.05  

December 31, 2013

  $ 84.64   $ 72.04   $ 3.05   $ 4.00   $ 3.16   $ 0.05  

2014

                                     

March 31, 2014

  $ 79.20   $ 72.34   $ 0.47   $ 4.19   $ 3.52   $ 0.05  

June 30, 2014

  $ 72.66   $ 66.95   $ 0.47   $ 4.00   $ 3.23   $ 0.05  

September 30, 2014

  $ 82.96   $ 70.13   $ 0.47   $ 6.18   $ 2.98   $ 0.00  

Through December 19, 2014

  $ 92.36   $ 78.26   $ 0.47   $ 5.61   $ 4.75   $ 0.00  

 

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CAUTIONARY STATEMENT REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

        This registration statement on Form S-4, of which this proxy statement/prospectus forms a part, and the documents to which GFI and CME refer you to in this registration statement, of which this proxy statement/prospectus forms a part, including financial estimates and statements as to the expected timing, completion and effects of the proposed merger between CME and GFI, as well as oral statements made or to be made by GFI and CME, include information constituting "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of, and subject to the safe harbor created by, the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These estimates and statements are subject to risks and uncertainties, and actual results might differ materially. Such estimates and statements include, but are not limited to, statements about the benefits of the GFI Merger, including future financial and operating results, the combined company's plans, objectives, expectations and intentions, and statements about the unsolicited tender offer commenced by BGC, as well as other statements that are not historical facts. Such statements are based upon the current beliefs and expectations of the management of GFI and CME and are subject to significant risks and uncertainties outside of their control.

        Statements included in or incorporated by reference into this registration statement, of which this proxy statement/prospectus forms a part, that are not historical facts, including statements about the beliefs and expectations of the managements of GFI and CME, are forward-looking statements. Words such as "believes," "anticipates," "estimates," "expects," "intends," "aims," "potential," "will," "would," "could," "considered," "likely," "estimate" and variations of these words and similar future or conditional expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements but are not the exclusive means of identifying such statements. While GFI and CME believe these expectations, assumptions, estimates and projections are reasonable, such forward-looking statements are only predictions and involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond the control of CME and GFI. By their nature, forward-looking statements involve risk and uncertainty because they relate to events and depend upon future circumstances that may or may not occur. Actual results may differ materially from the current expectations of GFI and CME depending upon a number of factors affecting their businesses and risks associated with the successful execution of the GFI Merger and the integration and performance of their businesses following the GFI Merger. These factors include, but are not limited to, risks and uncertainties detailed in CME's and GFI's periodic public filings with the SEC, including those discussed in the sections entitled "Risk Factors" in CME's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2013, and the information discussed in the sections entitled "Risk Factors" in GFI's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2013, including the section entitled "Risk Factors" and GFI's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended June 30, 2014, factors contained or incorporated by reference into such documents and in subsequent filings by CME and GFI with the SEC, and the following factors:

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        Consequently, all of the forward-looking statements GFI or CME make in this document are qualified by the information contained or incorporated by reference into this proxy statement/prospectus, including, but not limited to, (i) the information contained under this heading and (ii) the information discussed in the sections entitled "Risk Factors" in CME's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2013 and in GFI's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2013 and GFI's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the periods ended June 30, 2014 and September 30, 2014. See the section entitled "Where You Can Find More Information" beginning on page [    ] of this proxy statement/prospectus.

        Neither CME nor GFI is under any obligation, and each expressly disclaims any obligation, to update, alter, or otherwise revise any forward-looking statements, whether written or oral, that may be made from time to time, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise. Persons reading this announcement are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date hereof.

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RISK FACTORS

        In addition to the other information contained or incorporated by reference into this proxy statement/prospectus, including the matters addressed in the section entitled "Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements" beginning on page [    ] of this proxy statement/prospectus, GFI Stockholders should carefully consider the following risk factors in determining whether to vote for the adoption of the GFI Merger Agreement. You should also read and consider the risk factors associated with each of the businesses of GFI and CME because these risk factors may affect the operations and financial results of the combined company. These risk factors may be found under Part I, Item 1A, "Risk Factors" in GFI's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2013 and Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended June 30, 2014, and in CME's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2013, all of which are on file with the SEC and incorporated by reference into this proxy statement/prospectus.


Risk Factors Relating to the GFI Merger

Because the market price of CME Class A Common Stock has fluctuated and will continue to fluctuate, GFI Stockholders cannot be sure at the time they vote on the GFI Merger of the number of shares of CME Class A Common Stock they will receive.

        Upon completion of the GFI Merger, each share of GFI Common Stock issued and outstanding immediately prior to the Effective Time (other than shares of GFI Common Stock owned by CME (including pursuant to the JPI Merger) or GFI or any of their respective wholly-owned subsidiaries) will be converted into the right to receive the Merger Consideration, consisting of shares of CME Class A Common Stock equal to the Exchange Ratio or cash, subject to proration as described herein. The Exchange Ratio is a fraction, the numerator of which equals $5.25 and the denominator of which equals the Average Closing CME Stock Price. The value of the Merger Consideration consisting of shares of CME Class A Common Stock will fluctuate with the market price of CME Class A Common Stock based on the Average Closing CME Stock Price. Whether a GFI Stockholder makes a cash election or a stock election, the value of the consideration that such GFI Stockholder will be entitled to receive as of the date of completion of the GFI Merger is expected to be similar, although the value may not be identical because the amount of the stock consideration will be based on the Average Closing CME Stock Price, which may be different from the market price of the CME Class A Common Stock as of the date of completion of the GFI Merger. In no event will the aggregate number of shares of CME Class A Common Stock issuable in the transactions contemplated by the GFI Merger Agreement and the JPI Merger Agreement exceed the Issuance Cap, in which case the GFI Merger Agreement may be terminated by GFI. Assuming the entire aggregate Merger Consideration is paid in shares of CME Class A Common Stock, the per share price of CME Class A Common Stock would have to fall below $10.03 for the Issuance Cap to impact the number of shares of CME Class A Common Stock issuable in the transactions contemplated by the GFI Merger Agreement and the JPI Merger Agreement. The closing price per share of CME Class A Common Stock on December 19, 2014 was $92.36. While the Exchange Ratio governing the exchange of GFI Common Stock for CME Class A Common Stock will be adjusted under certain circumstances, it will not be adjusted to reflect changes in the per share price of CME Class A Common Stock following the Effective Time.

        The closing price per share of CME Class A Common Stock as of July 29, 2014, the last trading date before the public announcement of the GFI Merger Agreement, was $75.50, and the closing price per share has fluctuated as high as $92.36 and as low as $72.25 between that date and December 19, 2014. Accordingly, at the time of the Special Meeting, the actual number of shares of CME Class A Common Stock that GFI Stockholders would receive upon completion of the GFI Merger will not be known. Stock price changes may result from a variety of factors, including, among others, general market and economic conditions, changes in CME's businesses, operations and prospects, market

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assessments of the likelihood that the GFI Merger will be completed, the timing of the GFI Merger and regulatory considerations. Many of these factors are beyond CME's control.

The ability of GFI Stockholders to elect to receive cash in exchange for their shares of GFI Common Stock will be subject to proration in the event of an oversubscription of the cash election.

        The cash election available to GFI Stockholders in the GFI Merger is subject to proration for the maximum aggregate amount of cash consideration to be paid in the GFI Merger to the GFI Stockholders of $89 million. As a result, the form of Merger Consideration that any GFI Stockholder making a cash election receives will not be known at the time he or she makes his or her elections because the Merger Consideration payable to GFI Stockholders making valid cash elections or no elections will depend on the total number of GFI shares for which either a cash election or no election is made. In the event that the aggregate cash consideration is oversubscribed, CME has the option, in its sole discretion, to increase the aggregate cash consideration above the mandatory cash component, subject to certain limitations, and/or provide a portion of the Merger Consideration payable to GFI Stockholders who elected to receive cash consideration in the GFI Merger or made no election in the form of CME Class A Common Stock. Accordingly, GFI Stockholders may not receive exactly the amount and type of Merger Consideration that they elected to receive in the GFI Merger, which could result in, among other things, tax consequences that differ from those that would have resulted if they had received the form of Merger Consideration that they had elected.

        Because there is no way to predict the value of shares of CME Class A Common Stock after the GFI Merger, the value of the Merger Consideration that GFI Stockholders will receive in the GFI Merger may vary depending on the type of election that they made for each share of GFI Common Stock. The amount of Merger Consideration to be received for each stock election share of GFI Common Stock is based on the Average Closing CME Share Price. This Average Closing CME Share Price, however, may be different from the actual value of a share of CME Class A Common Stock upon completion of the GFI Merger. As a result, the value of the Merger Consideration received by GFI Stockholders who make any particular election for each of their shares may vary from the value of the Merger Consideration received by GFI Stockholders who make a different combination of elections.

        For a discussion of the election mechanism and the Merger Consideration paid per share of GFI Common Stock for which either a cash election or stock election has been made, see "The GFI Merger Agreement—Consideration to be Received in the GFI Merger" beginning on page [    ] in the proxy statement/prospectus. For a discussion of the material U.S. federal income tax consequences of the GFI Merger, see "The GFI Merger—United States Federal Income Tax Consequences of the GFI Merger" beginning on page [    ] in the proxy statement/prospectus.

Sales of shares of CME Class A Common Stock before and after the completion of the GFI Merger may cause the market price of CME Class A Common Stock to fall.

        Based on the number of shares of GFI Common Stock outstanding and issuable pursuant to the vesting of RSUs prior to the date the GFI Merger is expected to be completed, CME expects to issue approximately 6.96 million shares of CME Class A Common Stock to GFI Stockholders pursuant to the GFI Merger and the JPI Merger and reserve for issuance approximately 6,300 additional shares of CME Class A Common Stock in connection with the conversion or settlement of outstanding Continuing Employee RSUs. The actual number of shares of CME Class A Common Stock to be issued and reserved for issuance pursuant to the GFI Merger will be determined at completion of the GFI Merger based on the Exchange Ratio and the number of shares of GFI Common Stock and Continuing Employee RSUs outstanding at that time. The issuance of these new shares of CME

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Class A Common Stock could have the effect of depressing the market price for CME Class A Common Stock, through dilution of earnings per share or otherwise.

        In addition, many GFI Stockholders may decide not to hold the shares of CME Class A Common Stock they will receive in the GFI Merger. Other GFI Stockholders, such as funds with limitations on their permitted holdings of stock in individual issuers, may be required to sell the shares of CME Class A Common Stock that they receive in the GFI Merger. Such sales of CME Class A Common Stock could have the effect of depressing the market price for CME Class A Common Stock and may take place promptly following the GFI Merger. In addition, future events and conditions could increase the dilution that is currently projected, including adverse changes in market conditions, additional transaction and integration related costs and other factors such as the failure to realize some or all of the benefits anticipated in the GFI Merger. Any dilution of, or delay of any accretion to, CME's earnings per share could cause the price of shares of CME Class A Common Stock to decline or grow at a reduced rate.

If the GFI Merger does not qualify as a reorganization under Section 368(a) of the Code, GFI Stockholders may be required to pay substantial U.S. federal income taxes.

        As a condition to the completion of the GFI Merger, each of Skadden, tax counsel to CME, and White & Case, tax counsel to GFI, will have delivered an opinion, dated as of the closing date of the GFI Merger, that the GFI Merger will be treated for U.S. federal income tax purposes as a "reorganization" within the meaning of Section 368(a) of the Code and that each of GFI and CME will be a party to the reorganization within the meaning of Section 368(b) of the Code. These opinions will be based on certain assumptions and representations as to factual matters from GFI and CME, as well as certain covenants and undertakings made by GFI and CME to each other. If any of the assumptions, representations, covenants or undertakings is incorrect, incomplete, inaccurate or is violated, the validity of the conclusions reached by Skadden or White & Case in their respective opinions could be jeopardized. Additionally, an opinion of counsel represents such counsel's legal judgment but is not binding on the Internal Revenue Service, which is referred to as the IRS in this proxy statement/prospectus, or any court, so there can be no certainty that the IRS will not challenge the conclusions reflected in the opinions or that a court will not sustain such a challenge. If the IRS or a court determines that the GFI Merger should not be treated as a "reorganization," a holder of GFI Common Stock could recognize taxable gain upon the exchange of GFI Common Stock for CME Class A Common Stock pursuant to the GFI Merger. See the section entitled "The GFI Merger—United States Federal Income Tax Consequences of the GFI Merger" beginning on page [    ] of this proxy statement/prospectus.

Completion of the GFI Merger is subject to conditions and if these conditions are not satisfied or waived, the GFI Merger will not be completed.

        The obligations of CME and GFI to complete the GFI Merger are subject to satisfaction or waiver of a number of conditions. The obligations of CME and GFI are each subject to, among other conditions: (i) obtaining the approval of the GFI Merger Agreement by GFI Stockholders, including the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the outstanding shares of GFI Common Stock that are held by GFI Disinterested Stockholders, (ii) approval for the listing on NASDAQ of the shares of CME Class A Common Stock to be issued in the GFI Merger, (iii) expiration or termination of any applicable waiting period under the HSR Act and any other waiting periods under certain specified foreign competition laws, receipt of other specified regulatory approvals and the provision of regulatory notices to certain third parties, (iv) absence of any law or order that is in effect and restrains, enjoins or otherwise prohibits the GFI Merger, (v) the effectiveness of this proxy statement/prospectus as declared by the SEC, (vi) the completion of the GFI Pre-Closing Reorganization, and the satisfaction

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or waiver of the conditions to the closing of the JPI Merger Agreement and the IDB Purchase Agreement, (vii) the accuracy of the representations and warranties made by CME and GFI, respectively, and compliance by CME and GFI with their respective obligations under the GFI Merger Agreement and (viii) the subsidiaries of GFI retained by CME after the IDB Transaction having a specified amount of working capital and available cash on hand following the consummation of the GFI Merger. The obligations of CME and GFI are also subject to receipt of a tax opinion from Skadden and White & Case, respectively, dated as of the closing date of the GFI Merger, to the effect that the GFI Merger will qualify as a reorganization within the meaning of Section 368(a) of the Code. For a more complete summary of the conditions that must be satisfied or waived prior to completion of the GFI Merger, see the section entitled "The GFI Merger Agreement—Conditions to Completion of the GFI Merger" beginning on page [    ] of this proxy statement/prospectus. The satisfaction of all of the required conditions could delay the completion of the GFI Merger for a significant period of time or prevent it from occurring. Any delay in completing the GFI Merger could cause CME not to realize some or all of the benefits that CME expects to achieve if the GFI Merger is successfully completed within its expected time frame. Further, there can be no assurance that the conditions to the closing of the GFI Merger will be satisfied or waived or that the GFI Merger will be completed. See the risk factor entitled "—Failure to complete the GFI Merger could negatively impact the stock price and the future business and financial results of CME and GFI" beginning on page [    ] of this proxy statement/prospectus.

The requisite stockholder votes required to approve the GFI Merger may not be obtained.

        The completion of the GFI Merger is subject to a number of conditions, including the approval of the GFI Merger by the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the outstanding shares of GFI Common Stock that are held by GFI Disinterested Stockholders. As such, even if the holders of at least 662/3% of the shares of GFI Common Stock cast at the Special Meeting vote to adopt the GFI Merger Agreement (provided that such affirmative vote represents at least a majority of the outstanding shares of GFI Common Stock), the GFI Merger will not be consummated if the holders of a majority of the outstanding shares of GFI Common Stock that are held by GFI Disinterested Stockholders do not approve the GFI Merger Agreement.

Pending or potential future litigation challenging the GFI Merger may prevent the GFI Merger from being completed within the anticipated timeframe.

        GFI, the individual members of the GFI Board, CME, Merger Sub 1 and Merger Sub 2 have been named as defendants in purported class action lawsuits filed on behalf of public stockholders challenging the GFI Merger and seeking, among other things, to enjoin the defendants from consummating the GFI Merger on the agreed upon terms. If a plaintiff in these or any other litigation that may be filed in the future is successful in obtaining an injunction prohibiting the parties from completing the GFI Merger on the terms contemplated by the GFI Merger Agreement, the injunction may prevent the completion of the GFI Merger in the expected timeframe or altogether. While GFI and CME believe that these lawsuits are without merit and will not succeed, the pending litigations create additional uncertainty relating to the consummation of the GFI Merger. Regardless of whether any claims are successful, such litigation is often expensive and diverts management's attention and resources.

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In order to complete the GFI Merger, CME and GFI must make certain governmental filings and obtain certain governmental approvals, and if such filings and approvals are not made or granted or are granted with conditions, completion of the GFI Merger may be jeopardized or the anticipated benefits of the GFI Merger could be reduced.

        Although CME and GFI have agreed in the GFI Merger Agreement to use their reasonable best efforts, subject to certain limitations, to make certain governmental filings and obtain the required governmental approvals or termination of relevant waiting periods, as the case may be, there can be no assurance that the relevant waiting periods will expire, the relevant filings will be made, or the relevant approvals will be obtained, in which case the GFI Merger may not be completed. In addition, the governmental authorities with or from which these approvals are required have broad discretion in administering the governing regulations. As a condition to authorization of the GFI Merger, these governmental authorities may impose requirements, limitations or costs or require divestitures or place restrictions on the conduct of CME's business after completion of the GFI Merger. Under the terms of the GFI Merger Agreement, subject to certain exceptions, CME and its subsidiaries are not required to accept certain conditions and take certain actions imposed by governmental authorities that would apply to, or affect, the businesses, assets or properties of it, its subsidiaries or GFI and its subsidiaries, as described in the section entitled "The GFI Merger—Regulatory Matters" beginning on page [    ] of this proxy statement/prospectus. There can be no assurance that regulators will not impose conditions, terms, obligations or restrictions and that such conditions, terms, obligations or restrictions will not have the effect of delaying or preventing completion of the GFI Merger or imposing additional material costs on or materially limiting the revenues of CME following the GFI Merger, or otherwise adversely affecting, including to a material extent, CME's businesses and results of operations after completion of the GFI Merger. In addition, we can provide no assurance that these conditions, terms, obligations or restrictions will not result in the delay or abandonment of the GFI Merger. See the sections entitled "The GFI Merger Agreement—Conditions to Completion of the GFI Merger" and "The GFI Merger—Regulatory Matters" beginning on pages [    ] and [    ], respectively, of this proxy statement/prospectus.

Certain GFI directors and executive officers have interests in the GFI Merger and the related transactions that are different from, or in addition to, their interests as GFI Stockholders.

        The GFI Board and the CME Board approved the GFI Merger Agreement and the GFI Board recommended that GFI Stockholders vote to adopt the GFI Merger Agreement. The GFI Board's approval of the GFI Merger Agreement was based in part on the recommendation of the Special Committee, consisting of all the independent directors of GFI. In considering these facts and other information in this proxy statement/prospectus, you should be aware that directors and executive officers of GFI have interests that are different from and in addition to the interests of GFI Stockholders generally. Each of the GFI Board and the Special Committee was aware of these interests at the time it approved the GFI Merger. These interests may cause certain directors and executive officers of GFI to view the GFI Merger Proposal differently and more favorably than you may view it. These interests include the sale of the IDB Business to a private consortium of GFI management, led by Mr. Gooch and certain other members of GFI management (including Mr. Heffron), the treatment in the GFI Merger Agreement of RSUs and employment agreements held by directors and executive officers of GFI and the indemnification of former GFI directors and officers by CME. See the section entitled "The GFI Merger—Interests of GFI Directors and Executive Officers in the GFI Merger" beginning on page [    ] of this proxy statement/prospectus for a more detailed description of these interests.

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The GFI Merger Agreement limits GFI's ability to pursue alternatives to the GFI Merger and may discourage other companies from trying to acquire GFI for greater consideration than what CME has agreed to pay.

        The GFI Merger Agreement and the GFI Support Agreement contain provisions that make it more difficult for GFI to sell its business to a person other than to CME. These provisions include a general prohibition on GFI soliciting any acquisition proposal or offer for a competing transaction, GFI's obligation to submit the proposal to approve the GFI Merger Agreement to its stockholders even if the GFI Board has withdrawn, modified or qualified its recommendation and the GFI Supporting Stockholders' obligation under the GFI Support Agreement to vote their shares of GFI Common Stock against any alternative business combination transaction during the Tail Period.

        Notwithstanding these restrictions, at any time prior to the adoption of the GFI Merger Agreement by GFI Stockholders, the GFI Board may, in response to a Superior Proposal or an Intervening Event, make a Change in Recommendation if it determines in good faith, after consultation with outside counsel and its independent financial advisor, that the failure to take such action would be inconsistent with its fiduciary duties to GFI Stockholders under applicable law. Notwithstanding such Change in Recommendation by the GFI Board regarding the proposal to adopt the GFI Merger Agreement, the GFI Merger Agreement must be submitted at the Special Meeting for the purpose of obtaining the approval of GFI Stockholders unless the GFI Merger Agreement is first terminated in accordance with its terms, including by CME if there is a Change in Recommendation. In addition, under specified circumstances, GFI may be required to pay a termination fee of $23,426,111 (net of any expense reimbursement paid by GFI to CME up to $6,693,175 as described below) and may be required to reimburse CME up to $6,693,175 for failure to obtain the approval of the GFI Merger Proposal or $10 million in expenses in certain instances if the GFI Merger is not consummated. See the sections entitled "The GFI Merger Agreement—No Change in Recommendation," "The GFI Merger Agreement—No Solicitation or Negotiation of Takeover Proposals" and "The GFI Merger Agreement—Termination of the GFI Merger Agreement" beginning on pages [    ], [    ] and [    ], respectively, of this proxy statement/prospectus.

        These provisions might discourage a third party that has an interest in acquiring all or a significant part of GFI from considering or proposing an acquisition, even if that party were prepared to pay consideration with a higher per share cash or market value than that market value proposed to be received or realized in the GFI Merger Agreement, or might result in a potential competing acquiror proposing to pay a lower price than it might otherwise have proposed to pay because of the added expense of the termination fee that may become payable in certain circumstances.

Failure to complete the GFI Merger could negatively impact the stock price and the future business and financial results of GFI.

        If the GFI Merger is not completed for any reason, including as a result of GFI Stockholders failing to adopt the GFI Merger Agreement, the ongoing businesses of GFI may be adversely affected and, without realizing any of the benefits of having completed the GFI Merger, GFI would be subject to a number of risks, including the following:

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        In addition to the above risks, GFI may be required, under certain circumstances, to pay to CME a termination fee or reimburse certain of its expenses, which may materially adversely affect GFI's financial results. Further, GFI could be subject to litigation related to any failure to complete the GFI Merger or related to any enforcement proceeding commenced against GFI to perform their respective obligations under the GFI Merger Agreement. If the GFI Merger is not completed, these risks may materialize and may adversely affect GFI's businesses, financial condition, financial results and stock prices.

The shares of CME Class A Common Stock to be received by GFI Stockholders as a result of the GFI Merger will have rights different from the shares of GFI Common Stock.

        Upon completion of the GFI Merger, GFI Stockholders will no longer be GFI Stockholders, but will instead become CME Stockholders, and their rights as stockholders will be governed by the terms of the CME Charter and the CME Bylaws. The terms of the CME Charter and the CME Bylaws are in some respects different than the terms of the GFI Charter and the GFI Bylaws, which currently govern the rights of GFI Stockholders. See the section entitled "Comparison of Stockholders' Rights" beginning on page [    ] of this proxy statement/prospectus for a discussion of the different rights associated with CME Class A Common Stock.

The fairness opinion obtained by the Special Committee from its financial advisor will not reflect changes in circumstances between signing the GFI Merger Agreement and completion of the GFI Merger.

        The opinion of Greenhill, the Special Committee's financial advisor, is necessarily based on financial, economic, market and other conditions as in effect on, and the information made available to it as of, the date of the opinion. Developments after the date of Greenhill's opinion may affect the opinion, and Greenhill does not have any obligation to update, revise or reaffirm its opinion. Greenhill is not providing an opinion as to the fairness, from a financial point of view, of the Merger Consideration to be received by the holders of shares of GFI Common Stock (other than the JPI Holders) in the GFI Merger as of any date other than the date of its opinion. For a description of Greenhill's opinion, see the section entitled "The GFI Merger—Opinion of Special Committee's Financial Advisor" beginning on page [    ] of this proxy statement/prospectus. For a description of factors considered by the GFI Board in determining to approve the GFI Merger, see the section entitled "The GFI Merger—Recommendation of the Special Committee and the GFI Board; Reasons for the GFI Merger" beginning on page [    ] of this proxy statement/prospectus.

Although CME expects that the GFI Merger will result in cost savings, synergies and other benefits to CME, CME may not realize those benefits because of difficulties related to integration, the realization of synergies, and other challenges.

        CME and GFI have operated and, until completion of the GFI Merger, will continue to operate, independently, and there can be no assurances that their businesses can be integrated successfully. It is possible that the integration process could result in unexpected integration issues, higher than expected integration costs and an overall post-completion integration process that takes longer than originally anticipated. Specifically, the following issues, among others, must be addressed in integrating the operations of GFI and CME in order to realize the anticipated benefits of the GFI Merger so CME performs as expected following the GFI Merger:

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Risk Factors Relating to CME Following the GFI Merger

CME Class A Common Stock may be affected by factors different from those affecting the price of GFI Common Stock.

        Upon completion of the GFI Merger, holders of GFI Common Stock will become holders of CME Class A Common Stock. Certain factors may affect CME's business, results of operations and the price of CME Class A Common Stock that might not similarly affect GFI's business, results of operations and the price of GFI Common Stock. You should read and consider the other risk factors specific to CME's businesses that will also affect CME after the completion of the GFI Merger, described in Part I, Item 1A of CME's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year 2013, and other documents that have been filed by CME with the SEC and which are incorporated by reference into this proxy statement/prospectus. See the section entitled "Where You Can Find More Information" beginning on page [    ].


Other Risk Factors

        GFI's and CME's businesses are and will be subject to the risks described above. In addition, GFI and CME are, and will continue to be, subject to the risks described in GFI's and CME's respective Annual Reports on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2013, as amended and as updated by subsequent Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, all of which are filed with the SEC and incorporated by reference into this proxy statement/prospectus. See the section entitled "Where You Can Find More Information" beginning on page [    ] of this proxy statement/prospectus.

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INFORMATION ABOUT THE SPECIAL MEETING

Time, Place and Purpose of the Special Meeting

        This proxy statement/prospectus is being furnished to GFI Stockholders as part of the solicitation of proxies by the GFI Board for use at the Special Meeting to be held on [                        ], 2015, at [            ] Eastern Standard Time, at [                        ], or at any postponement or adjournment thereof.

        At the Special Meeting, GFI Stockholders will be asked to consider and vote upon (i) a proposal to adopt the GFI Merger Agreement, (ii) a proposal to approve, by non-binding, advisory vote, certain compensation arrangements for GFI's named executive officers in connection with the GFI Merger and (iii) adjournments of the Special Meeting, if necessary or appropriate, to solicit additional proxies if there are insufficient votes at the time of the Special Meeting to adopt the GFI Merger Agreement.

        GFI Stockholders must adopt the GFI Merger Agreement in order for the GFI Merger to occur. If GFI Stockholders fail to adopt the GFI Merger Agreement, the GFI Merger will not occur. A copy of the GFI Merger Agreement is attached as Annex A to this proxy statement/prospectus, and you are encouraged to read the GFI Merger Agreement carefully and in its entirety.


Record Date and Quorum

        GFI has set the close of business on December 1, 2014 as the Record Date, and only holders of record of GFI Common Stock on the Record Date are entitled to vote at the Special Meeting. You are entitled to receive notice of, and to vote at, the Special Meeting if you owned shares of GFI Common Stock as of the close of business on the Record Date. On the Record Date, there were 127,487,691 shares of GFI Common Stock outstanding and entitled to vote.

        You will have one vote on all matters properly coming before the Special Meeting for each share of GFI Common Stock that you owned on the Record Date. You may vote all shares owned by you as of the Record Date, including (i) shares held directly in your name as the stockholder of record and (ii) shares held for you as the beneficial owner in "street name."

        The presence, in person or represented by proxy, of holders of a majority of the voting power of the outstanding shares of capital stock of GFI entitled to vote generally in the election of directors constitutes a quorum for the purposes of the Special Meeting. Abstentions are considered for purposes of establishing a quorum. A quorum is necessary to transact business at the Special Meeting. Once a share of GFI Common Stock is represented at the Special Meeting, it will be counted for the purpose of determining a quorum at the Special Meeting and any adjournment of the Special Meeting.

        The GFI Bylaws provide that the chairman of the meeting or a majority of the voting power of the outstanding shares of GFI capital stock entitled to vote generally in the election of GFI directors, either present or represented by proxy at the Special Meeting, may adjourn the meeting from time to time, whether or not there is such a quorum.


Attendance

        Only GFI Stockholders of record as of the close of business on the Record Date, their duly authorized proxy holders, beneficial owners with proof of ownership and guests of GFI may attend the Special Meeting. If your shares of GFI Common Stock are held through a bank, brokerage firm or other nominee, please bring proof of your beneficial ownership of such shares to the Special Meeting. Acceptable proof could include an account statement showing that you owned shares of GFI Common Stock on the Record Date. If you are the representative of a corporate or institutional stockholder, you must present valid photo identification along with proof that you are the representative of such stockholder. Please note that cameras, recording devices and other electronic devices will not be permitted at the Special Meeting.

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Vote Required

        The adoption of the GFI Merger Agreement requires the affirmative vote of (i) at least 662/3% of the shares of GFI Common Stock cast at the Special Meeting, provided that such affirmative vote represents at least a majority of the outstanding shares of GFI Common Stock and (ii) the holders of a majority of the outstanding shares of GFI Common Stock that are held by GFI Disinterested Stockholders. For the GFI Merger Proposal, you may vote "FOR," "AGAINST" or "ABSTAIN." Votes to abstain will not be counted as votes cast in favor of the GFI Merger Proposal, but will count for the purpose of determining whether a quorum is present. If you fail to submit a proxy or to vote in person at the Special Meeting or if you vote to abstain, it will have the same effect as a vote "AGAINST" the GFI Merger Proposal.

        If your shares of GFI Common Stock are registered directly in your name with the transfer agent of GFI, Broadridge Corporate Issuer Solutions, Inc., you are considered, with respect to those shares of GFI Common Stock, the stockholder of record. If you are a stockholder of record, this proxy statement/prospectus and the enclosed proxy card have been sent directly to you by GFI.

        If your shares of GFI Common Stock are held through a bank, brokerage firm or other nominee, you are considered the beneficial owner of shares of GFI Common Stock held in "street name." In that case, this proxy statement/prospectus has been forwarded to you by your bank, brokerage firm or other nominee who is considered, with respect to those shares of GFI Common Stock, the stockholder of record. As the beneficial owner, you have the right to direct your bank, brokerage firm or other nominee how to vote your shares by following their instructions for voting.

        Under the rules of the NYSE, banks, brokerage firms or other nominees who hold shares in "street name" for customers have the authority to vote on "routine" proposals when they have not received instructions from beneficial owners. However, banks, brokerage firms and other nominees are precluded from exercising their voting discretion with respect to approving non-routine matters such as the adoption of the GFI Merger Agreement, the approval of the "Golden Parachute" Compensation Proposal and approval of the Adjournment Proposal. As a result, absent specific instructions from the beneficial owner of such shares of GFI Common Stock, banks, brokerage firms and other nominees are not empowered to vote those shares of GFI Common Stock on non-routine matters.

        The "Golden Parachute" Compensation Proposal requires the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the shares of GFI Common Stock either present or represented by proxy and entitled to vote at the Special Meeting. For purposes of the proposal, if your shares of GFI Common Stock are present at the Special Meeting but are not voted on this proposal, or if you have given a proxy and abstained on this proposal, as applicable, this will have the effect of a vote "AGAINST" the "Golden Parachute" Compensation Proposal. If you fail to submit a proxy or to attend the Special Meeting or if your shares of GFI Common Stock are held through a bank, brokerage firm or other nominee and you do not instruct your bank, brokerage firm or other nominee to vote your shares of GFI Common Stock, your shares of GFI Common Stock will not be voted, but this will not have an effect on the vote to approve, on an advisory (non-binding) basis, the "Golden Parachute" Compensation Proposal.

        If the chairman of the Special Meeting does not adjourn the Special Meeting, the Adjournment Proposal requires the affirmative vote of a majority of the voting power of the outstanding shares of capital stock of GFI entitled to vote generally in the election of directors, either present or represented by proxy at the Special Meeting. For purposes of the Adjournment Proposal, if your shares of GFI Common Stock are present at the Special Meeting but are not voted on this proposal, or if you have given a proxy and abstained on this proposal, as applicable, this will have the effect of a vote "AGAINST" the Adjournment Proposal. If you fail to submit a proxy or to attend the Special Meeting or if your shares of GFI Common Stock are held through a bank, brokerage firm or other nominee and you do not instruct your bank, brokerage firm or other nominee to vote your shares of GFI Common Stock, your shares of GFI Common Stock will not be voted, but this will not have an effect on a vote to approve the Adjournment Proposal.

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Voting by Directors and Executive Officers of GFI

        As of the Record Date, the directors and executive officers of GFI beneficially owned and were entitled to vote, in the aggregate, 49,420,882 shares of GFI Common Stock, representing approximately 38.8% of the outstanding shares of GFI Common Stock. The directors and executive officers of GFI have informed GFI that they currently intend to vote all such shares of GFI Common Stock "FOR" the GFI Merger Proposal, "FOR" the "Golden Parachute" Compensation Proposal and "FOR" the Adjournment Proposal. In addition, the GFI Supporting Stockholders, beneficial owners of approximately 37.8% of the outstanding shares of GFI Common Stock as of December 2, 2014, including Messrs. Gooch, Heffron and Brown, each a director and/or executive officer of GFI, entered into the GFI Support Agreement, which is attached as Annex E to this proxy statement/prospectus. Pursuant to the GFI Support Agreement, the GFI Supporting Stockholders agreed, among other things, to vote their respective shares of GFI Common Stock "FOR" the GFI Merger Proposal and against, among other things, any Takeover Proposal.


Proxies and Revocations

        If you are a stockholder of record, you may have your shares of GFI Common Stock voted on matters presented at the Special Meeting in any of the following ways:

        If you are a beneficial owner, you will receive instructions from your bank, brokerage firm or other nominee that you must follow in order to have your shares of GFI Common Stock voted. Those instructions will identify which of the above choices are available to you in order to have your shares voted. Please note that if you are a beneficial owner and wish to vote in person at the Special Meeting, you must provide a legal proxy from your bank, brokerage firm or other nominee at the Special Meeting.

        Please refer to the instructions on your proxy or voting instruction card to determine the deadlines for voting over the Internet or by telephone. If you choose to submit a proxy by mailing a proxy card, your proxy card should be mailed in the accompanying prepaid reply envelope, and your proxy card must be filed with the Office of the Corporate Secretary of GFI by the time the Special Meeting begins. Please do not send in your share certificates with your proxy card. When the GFI Merger is completed, a separate letter of transmittal will be mailed to you that will enable you to receive the Merger Consideration in exchange for your share certificates.

        If you vote by proxy, regardless of the method you choose to vote, the individuals named on the enclosed proxy card, and each of them, with full power of substitution, will vote your shares of GFI Common Stock in the way that you indicate. When completing the Internet or telephone processes or the proxy card, you may specify whether your shares of GFI Common Stock should be voted "FOR" or "AGAINST" or to "ABSTAIN" from voting on all, some or none of the specific items of business to come before the Special Meeting.

        If you properly sign your proxy card but do not mark the boxes showing how your shares of GFI Common Stock should be voted on a matter, the shares of GFI Common Stock represented by your

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properly signed proxy will be voted "FOR" the GFI Merger Proposal, "FOR" the "Golden Parachute" Compensation Proposal and "FOR" the Adjournment Proposal.

        You have the right to revoke a proxy, whether delivered over the Internet, by telephone or by mail, at any time before it is exercised, by voting again at a later date through any of the methods available to you, by attending the Special Meeting and voting in person, or by giving written notice of revocation to GFI prior to the time the Special Meeting begins. Written notice of revocation should be mailed to: Investor Relations, GFI Group Inc., 55 Water Street, New York, NY 10041.

        If you have any questions or need assistance voting your shares, please contact MacKenzie Partners, GFI's proxy solicitor, by calling toll-free at (800) 322-2885.

        IT IS IMPORTANT THAT YOU VOTE YOUR SHARES OF GFI COMMON STOCK PROMPTLY. WHETHER OR NOT YOU PLAN TO ATTEND THE SPECIAL MEETING, PLEASE COMPLETE, DATE, SIGN AND RETURN, AS PROMPTLY AS POSSIBLE, THE ENCLOSED PROXY CARD IN THE PRE-ADDRESSED POSTAGE-PAID ENVELOPE, OR FOLLOW THE INSTRUCTIONS ON THE PROXY CARD TO VOTE BY TELEPHONE OR INTERNET. GFI STOCKHOLDERS WHO ATTEND THE SPECIAL MEETING MAY REVOKE THEIR PROXIES BY VOTING IN PERSON.


Adjournments and Postponements

        Although it is not currently expected, the Special Meeting may be adjourned on one or more occasions for the purpose of soliciting additional proxies if there are insufficient votes at the time of the Special Meeting to adopt the GFI Merger Agreement or if a quorum is not present at the Special Meeting. An adjournment may be made by the chairman of the meeting or by the affirmative vote of a majority of the voting power of the outstanding shares of capital stock of GFI entitled to vote generally in the election of directors, either present or represented by proxy and entitled to vote at the Special Meeting. Any adjournment of the Special Meeting for the purpose of soliciting additional proxies will allow GFI Stockholders who have already sent in their proxies to revoke them at any time prior to their use at the Special Meeting as adjourned.


Anticipated Date of Completion of the GFI Merger

        Subject to the satisfaction or waiver of the closing conditions described under the section entitled "The GFI Merger Agreement—Conditions to Completion of the GFI Merger" beginning on page [    ] of this proxy statement/prospectus, including the adoption of the GFI Merger Agreement by GFI Stockholders at the Special Meeting, GFI and CME expect that the GFI Merger will be completed in early 2015. However, it is possible that factors outside the control of both companies could result in the GFI Merger being completed at a different time or not at all.


Solicitation of Proxies; Payment of Solicitation Expenses

        GFI has engaged MacKenzie Partners to assist in the solicitation of proxies for the Special Meeting. GFI estimates that it will pay MacKenzie Partners a fee of approximately $15,000. GFI has agreed to reimburse MacKenzie Partners for certain out-of-pocket fees and expenses and also will indemnify MacKenzie Partners against certain losses, claims, damages, liabilities or expenses. GFI also may reimburse banks, brokerage firms, other nominees or their respective agents for their expenses in forwarding proxy materials to beneficial owners of GFI Common Stock. GFI's directors, officers and employees also may solicit proxies by telephone, by facsimile, by mail, on the Internet or in person. They will not be paid any additional amounts for soliciting proxies.


Questions and Additional Information

        If you have additional questions about the GFI Merger, need assistance in submitting your proxy or voting your shares of GFI Common Stock or need additional copies of this proxy statement/prospectus or the enclosed proxy card, or if you have any questions about the process for making an election, please contact MacKenzie Partners, GFI's proxy solicitor, by calling toll-free at (800) 322-2885.

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THE COMPANIES

GFI Group Inc.

        GFI, a Delaware corporation, is a leading intermediary and provider of trading technologies and support services to the global over-the-counter and listed markets. GFI was founded in 1987 and was incorporated under the laws of the State of Delaware in 2001 to be a holding company for its subsidiaries. GFI provides brokerage and trade execution services, clearing services, market data and trading platform and other software products to institutional customers in markets for a range of fixed income, financial, equity and commodity instruments. GFI provides execution services for its institutional wholesale customers by either matching their trading needs with counterparties having reciprocal interests or directing their orders to an exchange or other trading venue.

        GFI Common Stock is listed on the NYSE under the symbol "GFIG." GFI's principal executive offices are located at 55 Water Street, New York, New York 10041, its telephone number is (212)-968-4100 and its website is www.gfigroup.com.

        For more information about GFI, please visit the Internet website of GFI at www.gfigroup.com. The Internet website address of GFI is provided as an inactive textual reference only. The information contained on GFI's Internet website is not incorporated into, and does not form a part of, this proxy statement/prospectus or any other report or document on file with or furnished to the SEC. Additional information about GFI is included in the documents incorporated by reference into this proxy statement/prospectus. See the section entitled "Where You Can Find More Information" beginning on page [    ] of this proxy statement/prospectus.


CME Group Inc.

        CME, through its futures exchanges and clearing houses, serves the risk management and investment needs of customers around the globe.

        CME offers the widest range of global benchmark products across all major asset classes, based on interest rates, equity indexes, foreign exchange, energy, agricultural commodities, metals, weather and real estate. CME's products include both exchange-traded and over-the-counter derivatives. CME brings buyers and sellers together through its CME Globex electronic trading platform across the globe and its open outcry trading facilities in Chicago and New York City, and provides hosting, connectivity and customer support for electronic trading through its co-location services. CME Direct technology offers side-by-side trading of exchange-listed and over-the-counter markets. CME also provides clearing and settlement services for exchange-traded contracts, as well as for cleared over-the-counter derivatives transactions, and provides regulatory reporting solutions for market participants through its global repository services in the United States and the United Kingdom. CME offers a wide range of market data services—including live quotes, delayed quotes, market reports and a comprehensive historical data service—and continues to expand into the index services business.

        CME's Class A Common Stock is traded on NASDAQ under the symbol "CME." CME's principal executive offices are located at 20 South Wacker Drive, Chicago, Illinois 60606, its telephone number is 312-930-1000 and its website is www.cmegroup.com.


Commodore Acquisition Corp.

        Commodore Acquisition Corp., referred to as Merger Sub 1 in this proxy statement/prospectus, a Delaware corporation and a wholly-owned subsidiary of CME, was formed solely for the purpose of facilitating the GFI Merger. Merger Sub 1 has not carried on any activities or operations to date, except for those activities incidental to its formation and undertaken in connection with the transactions contemplated by the GFI Merger Agreement. By operation of the GFI Merger, Merger

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Sub 1 will be merged with and into GFI, with GFI continuing as the surviving corporation in the GFI Merger and a wholly-owned subsidiary of CME.


Commodore Acquisition LLC

        Commodore Acquisition LLC, referred to as Merger Sub 2 in this proxy statement/prospectus, a Delaware limited liability company and a wholly-owned subsidiary of CME, was formed solely for the purpose of facilitating the GFI Merger. Merger Sub 2 has not carried on any activities or operations to date, except for those activities incidental to its formation and undertaken in connection with the transactions contemplated by the GFI Merger Agreement. By operation of the GFI Merger, GFI as the surviving corporation will be merged with and into Merger Sub 2, with Merger Sub 2 continuing as the surviving company in the GFI Subsequent Merger and a wholly-owned subsidiary of CME.

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THE GFI MERGER

        This section describes the GFI Merger. The description in this section and elsewhere in this proxy statement/prospectus is qualified in its entirety by reference to the complete text of the GFI Merger Agreement, a copy of which is attached as Annex A and is incorporated by reference into this proxy statement/prospectus. This summary does not purport to be complete and may not contain all of the information about the GFI Merger that is important to you. You are encouraged to read the GFI Merger Agreement carefully and in its entirety. This section is not intended to provide you with any factual information about GFI or CME. Such information can be found elsewhere in this proxy statement/prospectus and in the public filings GFI and CME respectively make with the SEC, as described in the section entitled "Where You Can Find More Information" beginning on page [    ] of this proxy statement/prospectus.


Background of the GFI Merger

        As an inter-dealer broker, GFI is subject to global economic factors which could reduce trading values and harm GFI's business and profitability. GFI acquired its technology assets, Trayport Ltd. and FENICS Ltd., which are referred to as Trayport and FENICS, respectively, in this proxy statement/prospectus, in order to diversify its business, to increase overall market efficiency and to build additional value for GFI's customers and stockholders. GFI acquired 90% of the outstanding stock of FENICS in 2001, with the balance being acquired in 2005 and 2014, and acquired Trayport in 2008. All references in this proxy statement/prospectus to "Trayport" refer to the business of developing, marketing and licensing to customers a suite of electronic trading, information sharing, straight-through processing, clearing links and post-trade services for commodities, principally in the energy market, in each case as conducted by GFI and its subsidiaries immediately prior to the date of the GFI Merger Agreement (subject to any changes permitted or required in accordance with the GFI Merger Agreement); all references in this proxy statement/prospectus to "FENICS" refer to the business of developing, marketing and licensing to customers a suite of software that facilitates pricing, analytics, risk management, connectivity and straight-through processing and lifecycle management of foreign exchange options, as well as the sale or license of FENICS and IDB Business market data, in each case as conducted by GFI and its subsidiaries immediately prior to the date of the Merger Agreement (subject to any changes permitted or required in accordance with the GFI Merger Agreement).

        Historically, GFI's overall revenue declined significantly during periods of low trading volume in the financial markets in which GFI offers its services, impacting GFI's financial results. GFI's recent financial results indicate that GFI's brokerage business has been adversely impacted by a number of cyclical and structural issues, including low volatility across asset classes, low interest rates, higher capital requirements and ongoing regulatory changes. As a result, GFI's brokerage revenues and its stock price have been steadily declining. In addition, in recent years, GFI's operations have been subject to increasingly extensive governmental and other regulations, which require substantial time and expense to ensure continued compliance.

        The GFI Board, together with representatives of GFI management, regularly evaluate GFI's business and operations as well as GFI's competitive position, strategic prospects and direction. The GFI Board and GFI management also regularly discuss strategic options with investment bankers and other advisors specializing in the financial services industry.

        Mr. Gooch, the founder of GFI, together with Messrs. Heffron and Brown and certain other parties, beneficially own approximately 37.8% of the total issued and outstanding shares of GFI Common Stock primarily through JPI. Mr. Gooch is the executive chairman of the GFI Board, Mr. Heffron is the chief executive officer of GFI and a member of the GFI Board and Mr. Brown is the managing director and head of financial product brokerage North America of GFI. Mr. Gooch has voting control over the shares of GFI held by JPI. Due to the terms of the GFI Charter, which require the approval of 662/3% of the votes cast thereon to approve any merger, Mr. Gooch has the ability, through his beneficial ownership of 36.7% of the total issued and outstanding shares of GFI Common

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Stock as of December 2, 2014, to prevent any extraordinary business transaction, including the GFI Merger.

        Over time, GFI understands that Mr. Gooch has periodically reviewed his investment in GFI, and from time to time has considered potential opportunities to unlock the value of GFI's technology assets in order to provide all GFI Stockholders with a substantial return.

        In early 2011, GFI began discussions with potential strategic partners and investors regarding Trayport. In March of 2011, GFI retained a financial advisor to manage the process and to provide advisory services. After a number of discussions regarding relative values for investment and varying structures, GFI decided not to proceed with this process any further.

        From time to time, Mr. Gooch has had conversations with his counterparts at a number of GFI's competitors regarding the possibility of a strategic transaction, including a merger. In each instance, the response has been that such potential counterparty would only be interested in pursuing a merger at a price that would have presented little or no premium to GFI Stockholders and no transaction was pursued.

        As a result of GFI's previous relationship with Jefferies in connection with the sale of its Senior Notes (as defined under the section entitled "The GFI Merger Agreement—Existing GFI Indebtedness—Senior Notes due 2018" beginning on page [    ] of this proxy statement/prospectus), on February 12, 2013, representatives of Jefferies gave a presentation to GFI management on potential strategic alternatives involving GFI. Representatives of Jefferies identified certain parties that could be interested in a variety of transactions, including the acquisition of 100% of GFI, the acquisition of both Trayport and FENICS, and the acquisition of one of Trayport or FENICS. Representatives of Jefferies noted they would follow up with their views on the structure of a potential strategic transaction.

        Mr. Gooch considered such a transaction at this time because he believed that the market was discounting GFI Common Stock as a result of recent declines in GFI's financial performance and poor market conditions, and that GFI Stockholders would welcome the opportunity to consider a transaction whereby they could immediately realize the value of their investment in GFI at a premium to recent trading prices.

        During a regularly scheduled meeting of the GFI Board held on April 18, 2013, GFI management discussed with the GFI Board potential strategic alternatives that GFI could consider.

        On April 23, 2013, representatives of Jefferies presented GFI management with additional details of a potential transaction structure focused on a sale of all of GFI with the IDB Business being acquired by certain stockholders of JPI. Representatives of Jefferies identified a potential acquiror of GFI under that transaction structure.

        On June 6, 2013, representatives of Jefferies and Wachtell, Lipton, Rosen & Katz LLP, which is referred to as Wachtell in this proxy statement/prospectus, provided and discussed with representatives of GFI management various potential transaction structures, pursuant to which the IDB Business would be separated from the remainder of GFI in an acquisition. Also on June 6, during a regularly scheduled meeting of the GFI Board, GFI management discussed with the GFI Board potential strategic alternatives that GFI could consider.

        On July 1, 2013, representatives of Jefferies presented representatives of GFI management with a potential transaction structure aimed at maximizing GFI Stockholder value in a tax-efficient manner. The structure was designed to unlock the significant value associated with Trayport and FENICS, which GFI management believed was being discounted by the public markets as a result of the financial performance of the IDB Business. Representatives of Jefferies also described the impact that GFI's RSU liability would have on the valuation of GFI by any potential acquiror. At this meeting, GFI management instructed representatives of Jefferies to begin to contact potential purchasers to gauge their potential interest in completing a transaction consistent with the proposed structure (and which was consistent with the structure contemplated by the proposed transaction with CME).

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        On July 17, 2013, during a regularly scheduled meeting of the GFI Board, the GFI Board discussed potential strategic alternatives that GFI could consider.

        Over the course of the summer and fall of 2013, representatives of Jefferies initiated preliminary discussions with five likely strategic acquirors to assess potential interest in a transaction with GFI under the proposed structure in which the acquiror would acquire Trayport and FENICS and the IDB Business would be acquired by Messrs. Gooch, Heffron and Brown. Four of the five parties declined to pursue a potential transaction. Two of the parties had no strategic interest in a transaction with GFI, one declined based on its unwillingness to offer any premium for the assets and the fourth declined to proceed based on both the price of the assets and the structure of the transaction. CME was the only party who was interested and able to pursue a transaction with GFI utilizing the proposed structure. Jefferies' initial meeting with CME was on July 29, 2013.

        On September 19, 2013, during a regularly scheduled meeting of the GFI Board, the GFI Board discussed potential strategic alternatives that GFI could consider.

        On September 23, 2013, representatives of CME indicated to representatives of Jefferies that CME valued the Trayport and FENICS assets at approximately $500 to $575 million.

        On October 8, 2013, after CME entered into a non-disclosure agreement with GFI, certain representatives of GFI management gave a presentation to representatives of CME in London. The presentation was focused on the Trayport and FENICS businesses.

        On October 17, 2013, during a regularly scheduled meeting of the GFI Board, Mr. Gooch and Mr. Heffron informed the GFI Board of their interest in pursuing a strategic transaction involving GFI, the various discussions between representatives of Jefferies and potential strategic acquirors, and their belief that a potential transaction with CME could be in the best interests of GFI Stockholders.

        Representatives of GFI thereafter consulted with representatives of Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP, which is referred to as Willkie Farr in this proxy statement/prospectus, GFI's legal counsel, regarding a transaction whereby GFI would sell its technology assets and Mr. Gooch and his affiliates would acquire the IDB Business. Representatives of GFI discussed with GFI's advisors, among other things, the desirability of including safeguards to ensure the procedural fairness of the transaction, such as requiring that the transaction be approved by a special committee of the GFI Board.

        On October 22, 2013, as a result of ongoing negotiations and additional due diligence following CME's execution of the non-disclosure agreement with GFI, representatives of CME informed representatives of Jefferies that it had increased its valuation of the Trayport and FENICS assets to a range of $575 to $625 million.

        On October 24, 2013, GFI announced its 2013 third quarter financial results in a press release. GFI noted, among other things, that brokerage revenues had declined 7% as compared to the same quarter in the prior year due to lower trading volumes.

        On November 14, 2013, representatives of CME met with certain employees of GFI in New York City to discuss the Trayport business. At such meeting, representatives of GFI also provided CME with consolidated financial statements and a presentation regarding the IDB Business.

        On December 5, 2013, during a regularly scheduled meeting of the GFI Board, GFI management updated the GFI Board on discussions with CME and related issues with respect to a potential transaction whereby GFI would sell its technology assets and Mr. Gooch and his affiliates would acquire the IDB Business.

        On December 17, 2013, representatives of CME and GFI and their respective advisors, met in Chicago to discuss a potential transaction between CME and GFI, and related tax issues.

        On December 20, 2013, representatives of CME and its advisors traveled to New York City to meet with certain employees of GFI and to perform tax due diligence on GFI.

        On January 7, 2014, following additional due diligence, including further understanding of FENICS' market data revenues, and ongoing negotiations regarding the proposed IDB Transaction,

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representatives of CME informed representatives of Jefferies that CME had increased its valuation of the Trayport and FENICS assets to $660 million, and on January 12, 2014, informed representatives of Jefferies that CME had further increased its valuation of Trayport and FENICS assets to $675 million.

        At a regularly scheduled meeting of the GFI Board on January 15, 2014, representatives of Jefferies and GFI's senior management gave a presentation to the GFI Board describing the structure of a potential transaction. Representatives of Jefferies described the background of the potential transaction and identified the different third parties that had been contacted. Representatives of Jefferies indicated that CME was willing to pursue a potential transaction for the Trayport and FENICS assets, but did not have an interest in acquiring the IDB Business, but that a group of stockholders of JPI, including Messrs. Gooch, Heffron and Brown, would be interested in acquiring the IDB Business.

        Representatives of Jefferies further described the proposed structure which would involve an acquisition of all GFI Common Stock in a stock-for-stock transaction by CME (including the GFI Common Stock held by JPI through a stock-for-stock acquisition of JPI), and a simultaneous sale for cash of the IDB Business to IDB Buyer. The proposed transaction would result in CME owning all of GFI other than the IDB Business and assuming certain debt of GFI, and the structure would minimize the taxes for GFI, CME and GFI Stockholders. The GFI Board discussed, among other things, the rationale for and certain considerations related to the potential business combination transaction with CME, and strategic combinations in the trading and brokerage industry generally. Representatives of Jefferies and the GFI Board also discussed possible transactions with other third parties and the risks and issues associated with such transactions, including the risks posed by leaks and providing confidential information to competitors of GFI. The GFI Board also discussed GFI's prospects as an independent company, including the risks and challenges facing the company and the industry.

        Representatives of Jefferies described their interactions with representatives of CME over the prior months, noting that CME had engaged Barclays Capital Inc., which is referred to as Barclays in this proxy statement/prospectus, as its financial advisor and Skadden as its legal advisor. Representatives of Jefferies noted that as a result of ongoing due diligence and active negotiation regarding the proposed transaction, and the efforts of Jefferies, CME had raised its valuation of the Trayport and FENICS assets from an initial enterprise valuation of $500-575 million in September 2013 to $675 million in January 2014. Representatives of GFI also noted that representatives of CME had met with representatives of GFI in London, New York and Chicago to perform due diligence. Representatives of Jefferies then led the members of the GFI Board through a preliminary evaluation of the proposed transaction, including a comparison of the proposed transaction to a hypothetical alternative transaction in which GFI sold the Trayport and FENICS businesses for cash and paid a special dividend to its stockholders.

        At that meeting of the GFI Board, members of the GFI Board invited representatives from White & Case to discuss the process for considering the proposed transaction and the role of a special committee in considering a transaction such as the one proposed by CME and various related matters, including fiduciary duties, independence, process and the role of legal and financial advisors to a special committee. Representatives of White & Case inquired of the independent members of the GFI Board of any potential issues that could compromise their independence as a potential member of a special committee.

        The GFI Board then discussed and adopted resolutions that had been previously circulated to members of the GFI Board. The resolutions were adopted unanimously by the directors in attendance at the meeting, who constituted a majority of the GFI Board. Messrs. Gooch and Heffron abstained from the vote. The resolutions created the Special Committee, to be comprised solely of Ms. Cassoni, Mr. Fanzilli and Mr. Magee, each of whom the GFI Board concluded was independent and disinterested, for the purpose of considering a proposal from CME, should CME submit a proposal, and other potential strategic transactions on behalf of GFI's unaffiliated stockholders. Among other things, the resolutions authorized the Special Committee to (i) investigate any proposal submitted by

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CME as the Special Committee deemed appropriate; (ii) evaluate the terms of any proposal submitted by CME; (iii) negotiate any element of any proposal submitted by CME; (iv) negotiate the terms of any definitive agreement with respect to any proposal submitted by CME; (v) report to the GFI Board its recommendations and conclusions with respect to any proposal submitted by CME, including whether to recommend that a proposal from CME was fair to, and in the best interests of, the unaffiliated GFI Stockholders and should be approved by the GFI Board; or (vi) elect not to pursue any proposal submitted by CME. The resolutions further provided that the Special Committee was authorized to pursue potential strategic alternatives other than any proposal submitted by CME and that the GFI Board would not approve a proposal from CME without a prior favorable recommendation of the Special Committee and authorized the Special Committee to retain legal counsel, financial advisors and other such agents as the Special Committee deemed necessary or desirable in connection with its consideration of any proposal submitted by CME or any other potential strategic transaction.

        In connection with the adoption of the resolutions, the independent directors of the GFI Board discussed their ability and willingness to serve on the Special Committee and determined that Ms. Cassoni, Mr. Fanzilli and Mr. Magee, constituting all independent directors and a majority of the GFI Board, would serve on the Special Committee.

        On January 17, 2014, the Special Committee met and discussed retaining independent legal and financial advisors to assist with its evaluation of potential strategic alternatives for GFI.

        On January 20, 2014, the Special Committee met and unanimously decided to retain White & Case as the legal advisor to the Special Committee and to interview various independent financial advisors at a later date. After discussing the matter, the Special Committee identified potential candidates and authorized representatives of White & Case to coordinate interviews with the prospective financial advisors.

        Between February 4, 2014 and February 20, 2014, members of the Special Committee and representatives of White & Case interviewed various financial advisors. After extensive discussion regarding the qualifications and independence of each firm, on February 20, 2014, the Special Committee unanimously selected Greenhill as its financial advisor, and following a discussion of the economic terms of such engagement, authorized White & Case to negotiate the terms of Greenhill's engagement on behalf of the Special Committee. The terms of Greenhill's engagement were finalized over the next several days and Greenhill's engagement letter was signed on February 28, 2014. Following Greenhill's selection as the Special Committee's financial advisor, at the instruction of the Special Committee, representatives of Greenhill met with representatives of Jefferies and representatives of GFI management to review, among other things, the nature and status of discussions with CME and any third parties regarding potential strategic transactions involving GFI.

        On February 13, 2014, GFI announced its 2013 year-end financial results. GFI noted, among other things, that net revenues and brokerage revenues had declined 1.5% and 4.6%, respectively, over the prior year, while the Trayport and FENICS businesses had record revenues and profits in 2013. GFI announced that it believed the uncertain impact of ongoing regulatory change continued to negatively impact trading volumes across derivative markets.

        On February 25, 2014, GFI signed an engagement letter with Jefferies.

        On March 13, 2014, representatives of GFI, Jefferies, Willkie Farr, White & Case, Greenhill, CME and CME's advisors met in New York to discuss diligence items related to Trayport and FENICS.

        On March 14, 2014, representatives of Greenhill met with the Special Committee and reviewed the meetings Greenhill had held with representatives of GFI management, representatives of Jefferies and representatives of Willkie Farr and summarized Greenhill's understanding of the discussions with third parties regarding potential strategic transactions involving GFI that had occurred prior to the engagement of Greenhill. Representatives of Greenhill then reviewed with the Special Committee a range of potential strategic alternatives and sale processes alternatives. Representatives of Greenhill

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and the Special Committee discussed the merits and key considerations for each of the different alternatives presented. Greenhill then identified 22 third parties that might be interested in pursuing a strategic transaction involving GFI and discussed the merits and considerations for each, including which of these third parties might have both the financial capability and strategic interest to pursue a potential transaction and which had the ability to use publicly traded stock consideration to maximize the tax benefits to GFI Stockholders. The third parties were split into three groups, "tier one" consisting of nine companies that Greenhill considered most likely to pursue a transaction with GFI, a second group consisting of four companies (including BGC) that compete with the IDB Business and a third group consisting of nine other third parties that were viewed as less likely to be interested in or capable of completing a transaction with GFI. The Special Committee and representatives of Greenhill discussed the risks and benefits of approaching third parties at this time. The Special Committee instructed representatives of Greenhill to approach the "tier one" parties (other than CME and one other specified company, due to the concerns relating to potential leaks with respect to this company), and to refrain from contacting the competitors of the IDB Business and the other third parties, believing that approaching the competitors of the IDB Business would pose a higher risk of information leaks and the third group of companies' interest in a potential transaction was too speculative. The Special Committee noted that, were such discussions to leak, GFI could be damaged through harm to GFI's relationships with customers and employees, including its ability to attract and retain personnel.

        Greenhill began to reach out to the seven designated "tier one" parties, and by March 19, 2014 Greenhill had contacted and had exploratory discussions with six of them.

        During the period from March 17, 2014 through March 19, 2014, representatives of GFI, Jefferies, Willkie Farr, White & Case, Greenhill, CME and CME's advisors met in London to discuss diligence items, including, among other things, discussions and review of the financial performance of Trayport and FENICS and regulatory matters relating to Trayport and FENICS. During these meetings, on March 18, 2014, Willkie Farr delivered to Skadden a draft non-binding term sheet, which is referred to as the IDB Term Sheet in this proxy statement/prospectus, regarding a possible acquisition of the IDB Business by Mr. Gooch and his affiliates from CME immediately following the proposed GFI Merger. Among other terms, the purchase price provided for in the draft IDB Term Sheet was $125 million and the assumption of approximately $65 million of RSU liabilities, assuming the proposed transaction closed on December 31, 2014.

        At a meeting of the Special Committee held on March 19, 2014, representatives of White & Case again discussed with the members of the Special Committee their fiduciary duties, and representatives of Greenhill provided an update to the Special Committee regarding the third parties it had contacted in connection with a potential transaction involving GFI. Representatives of Greenhill summarized their discussions with six "tier one" parties it had contacted, and indicated that one showed an interest in pursuing a potential transaction, two indicated they might be interested after reviewing additional information regarding a potential transaction and three indicated that they had no interest in such a transaction. At the invitation of the Special Committee, Mr. Gooch and other representatives of GFI management, as well as Willkie Farr, joined the meeting with the Special Committee. Mr. Gooch informed the Special Committee that he was speaking solely in his capacity as stockholder and a representative of JPI. Mr. Gooch informed the Special Committee that he would respect any decision made by the Special Committee regarding a potential transaction with CME involving GFI, and would support a stockholder vote requiring a majority of the outstanding shares of GFI Common Stock excluding shares owned by JPI voting to approve any transaction with CME. Mr. Gooch also expressed his support of a potential transaction with CME, stating that he believed such a transaction would maximize the value for GFI Stockholders. Mr. Gooch expressed concern that discussing a potential transaction involving GFI with third parties other than CME could result in information leaks that could jeopardize any potential transaction with CME. Mr. Gooch went on to emphasize that while JPI would respect the Special Committee's ability to say "no" to any transaction, the Special Committee should understand that if CME raised its offer price for GFI, JPI, as GFI's largest stockholder,

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presently intended to vote against any other transaction presented to GFI Stockholders. After Mr. Gooch and the other representatives of GFI left the meeting, the Special Committee discussed the implications of stopping all discussions with third parties (other than CME) regarding a potential transaction involving GFI. The Special Committee then instructed Greenhill to stop all such discussions until otherwise instructed.

        On March 26, 2014, Skadden delivered to Willkie Farr a revised draft of the IDB Term Sheet. Among other changes, CME proposed closing conditions regarding a minimum working capital amount and a minimum cash amount of $40 million. CME also proposed an 18-month tail to the GFI Supporting Stockholders' obligations under the proposed GFI Support Agreement, which is referred to as the Voting Tail in this proxy statement/prospectus. The draft also required a number of commercial agreements to be entered into between Trayport or FENICS, on the one hand, and the IDB Business, on the other hand, at either signing or closing of the proposed transaction.

        At a meeting of the Special Committee held on March 28, 2014, representatives of White & Case led the Special Committee in a discussion of the Special Committee's fiduciary duties in light of the comments expressed by Mr. Gooch on behalf of JPI at the March 19, 2014 meeting of the Special Committee, and JPI's intent to vote against a transaction involving GFI with any party other than CME. Representatives of Greenhill then gave a presentation to the Special Committee regarding their preliminary valuation approach and methodologies. Representatives of Greenhill noted that the existing financial projections provided by GFI management for the IDB Business and for GFI as a whole were of limited duration and that, in order for Greenhill to perform a discounted cash flow analysis, it required financial projections for a longer period. The representatives of Greenhill also provided an overview of the potential strategic alternatives available to GFI, 13 companies that Greenhill considered to be the most likely potential counterparties for a strategic transaction, including BGC, and various potential strategic transaction structures. The Special Committee discussed the financial and business prospects for GFI continuing as a stand-alone company, and whether a strategic transaction would provide more value for GFI Stockholders.

        On April 3, 2014, Willkie Farr delivered to Skadden a revised draft of the IDB Term Sheet. Among other changes, the revised IDB Term Sheet deleted the proposed Voting Tail.

        During the period from April 7, 2014 through April 10, 2014, representatives of CME, JPI, Skadden and Willkie Farr met in London to further negotiate the IDB Term Sheet, including the purchase price, terms of the proposed GFI Support Agreement and the required stockholder approval for a proposed transaction, and various other commercial components of the proposed transaction.

        On April 10, 2014, representatives of White & Case informed the Special Committee that representatives of Willkie Farr and representatives of Skadden confirmed that any proposed transaction with CME would be conditioned on a stockholder vote requiring approval by a majority of the outstanding shares of GFI Common Stock excluding shares owned by JPI. Representatives of Skadden had also indicated that CME would insist on a voting agreement between JPI and its stockholders and CME, with obligations that would continue beyond the termination of a definitive purchase agreement, such as the obligation to vote against any transaction other than the GFI Merger. The Special Committee discussed the merits and considerations of conducting a market check for other parties interested in a strategic transaction involving GFI and the potential risks of contacting third parties, including the potential risk of competitive harm to GFI if strategic buyers conducted due diligence but a transaction did not occur, and the increased risk of leaks, which could create instability among GFI's employees as well as its customers. The Special Committee also discussed whether a market check would be valuable to the process given Mr. Gooch's ability to block any transaction and his statement that JPI intended to vote against any transaction involving GFI with any party other than CME. Representatives of Greenhill informed the Special Committee that they were working with GFI management to obtain updated financial projections for GFI as a whole and the IDB Business so that Greenhill could further evaluate a potential transaction.

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        Also on April 10, 2014, Willkie Farr delivered to Skadden a revised draft of the IDB Term Sheet. As a result of the negotiations regarding the transaction during the April 7 through April 10, 2014 meetings, the IDB Term Sheet included a revised purchase price for the IDB Business of $210 million minus the value of certain RSUs to be assumed by IDB Buyer, which was approximately $65 million, assuming the proposed transaction closed on December 31, 2014. In the revised IDB Term Sheet, the GFI Supporting Stockholders also agreed to the Voting Tail subject to a financial hardship exception during the 12 to 18-month portion of the Voting Tail. The revised IDB Term Sheet also included numerous changes to the terms of the proposed commercial agreements to be entered into at signing or closing of the proposed transactions.

        During the following week, representatives of CME, JPI, Skadden and Willkie Farr continued to negotiate the remaining open points in the IDB Term Sheet. In particular, on April 15, 2014, Skadden delivered to Willkie Farr a revised draft of the IDB Term Sheet, which included a purchase price increase for the IDB Business for potential costs to CME resulting from vesting of RSUs that IDB Buyer had otherwise proposed to assume.

        On April 17, 2014, Phupinder S. Gill, the chief executive officer of CME, on behalf of CME, made an indicative, non-binding proposal, referred to as the April 17 Proposal in this proxy statement/prospectus, for an acquisition of the Trayport and FENICS businesses of GFI through the acquisition of all of the outstanding stock of GFI for $4.49 per share at the time of the offer, followed immediately by a sale of the IDB Business to an entity to be formed by Messrs. Gooch, Heffron and Brown. The April 17 Proposal contemplated a sale of the IDB Business to an entity to be formed by Messrs. Gooch, Heffron and Brown for $210 million minus the amount of RSU liability assumed by the entity to be formed by Messrs. Gooch, Heffron and Brown, which was approximately $65 million, assuming the proposed transaction closed on December 31, 2014. The April 17 Proposal stated that such proposal was subject to, among other things, completion of due diligence and negotiation of mutually acceptable definitive transaction documents. The proposal also included an obligation of the JPI stockholders to vote in favor of the proposed strategic transaction with CME and against any competing proposal during an 18-month Voting Tail, other than in the event of a termination of the GFI Merger Agreement due to a breach of the GFI Merger Agreement by CME or a failure to receive certain antitrust approvals, a "force the vote" provision requiring GFI to submit the GFI Merger Agreement to a vote of GFI Stockholders even if the GFI Board had changed its recommendation regarding the GFI Merger, and a "no shop" provision that prohibited GFI from soliciting additional acquisition proposals following execution of the GFI Merger Agreement. GFI's closing stock price on April 17, 2014 was $3.65 per share.

        On April 22, 2014, Mr. Gooch, in his capacity as a representative of JPI, along with certain members of GFI management and Willkie Farr, met with the Special Committee. Mr. Gooch expressed his support for the April 17 Proposal. He stated that he was willing, on behalf of JPI, to accede to a voting agreement with CME pursuant to which JPI would agree to vote in favor of a transaction with CME and against any other proposal. Mr. Gooch reasserted his desire to acquire the IDB Business and noted that, in his opinion, attempts to locate a different third party to take the place of CME would jeopardize the potential transaction with CME. Mr. Gooch further expressed that, as a stockholder, he would only be willing to entertain a tax-advantaged, stock-for-stock transaction with a third party with desirable stock and again reiterated that JPI intended to vote against any transaction involving GFI with any party other than CME. Mr. Gooch then described why he perceived that the April 17 Proposal was in the best interests of GFI Stockholders and described potential problematic features of potential transactions involving other purchasers, including their ability to fund a transaction, the lack of liquidity in their stock and the diminished strategic benefits these purchasers would be able to derive from the assets, but then indicated to the Special Committee that it should make its own determination. Mr. Gooch, the Special Committee and the advisors to the Special Committee then further discussed the merits and risks of the Special Committee conducting a market check of the CME proposal, and during this discussion Mr. Gooch stated that he had already explored whether other parties might be interested in a strategic transaction and that the party (other than CME) that was

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mostly likely to be interested in and capable of consummating a transaction (referred to as Company A in this proxy statement/prospectus) was unwilling to pay more than $3.85 per share, which was far lower than the indications of value from CME. Mr. Gooch then left the meeting.

        The representatives of Greenhill made a presentation to the Special Committee regarding the CME proposal and the proposed IDB Transaction, and the Special Committee discussed with its financial and legal advisors the proposals and key points to be negotiated. Later during that same meeting, representatives of Greenhill summarized the conversations they previously had with six of the "tier one" parties, including that three had expressed some level of interest in a transaction. Representatives of Greenhill also discussed that, given the super-majority voting requirement in GFI's charter and JPI's corresponding ability to prevent any extraordinary transaction involving GFI, any interested third party necessarily would want to know whether Mr. Gooch was willing to support a transaction involving such third party. Representatives of Greenhill advised that, given that JPI intended to vote against a transaction with a third party other than CME, it would neither be appropriate nor constructive to engage in further discussions with third parties without disclosing that fact to them. After discussing these matters and the importance of maintaining negotiating leverage as well as the desire to minimize the risk of premature disclosure, and in light of Mr. Gooch's statement that JPI intended to vote against any transaction involving GFI with any party other than CME and the lack of historical interest on the part of other industry participants, the Special Committee believed that alternative strategic transactions to the April 17 Proposal were likely unrealistic and not actionable, and thus the Special Committee determined to refrain from further contacting potential buyers, but would continue to evaluate that determination in light of any subsequent developments. However, the Special Committee instructed Greenhill to contact Company A in order to assess its potential interest in a strategic transaction involving GFI. The Special Committee then discussed the potential terms of a counter-proposal to be delivered to CME. Additionally, the Special Committee determined that Jefferies should no longer act on behalf of GFI in any negotiations with any third parties with respect to a potential strategic transaction involving GFI because of potential conflicts as a result of Jefferies' prior role in developing the proposed transaction with CME.

        On April 28, 2014, representatives of Greenhill held a telephonic meeting with representatives of Company A to discuss Company A's potential interest in a strategic transaction involving GFI, as well as Company A's prior discussions with Mr. Gooch. Company A stated that it might be interested in a transaction that valued GFI at $550 million, including all RSUs, or a per share amount of $3.85, which was significantly lower than the indications of value from CME.

        On April 29, 2014, representatives of Greenhill and White & Case met with representatives of Skadden and Barclays at Skadden's offices in New York. At the Special Committee's direction, representatives of Greenhill and White & Case provided a preliminary reaction to, and asked various clarifying questions about, the April 17 Proposal. Representatives of Greenhill and White & Case also expressed the Special Committee's view that CME's proposal could be improved in various ways, including an increased amount of consideration, a potential "go-shop" period, the terms and amount of a termination fee, financing, due diligence, a collar around the exchange ratio for which shares of GFI Common Stock would be exchanged for shares of CME Class A Common Stock, removing any post-termination obligations with respect to a voting agreement and the terms of the purchase of the IDB Business.

        Also on April 29, GFI announced its 2014 first quarter financial results in a press release. GFI noted that net revenues grew 1.1% on a non-GAAP basis in the first quarter of 2014, as software, analytics and market data revenues increased 16.3%, while brokerage revenues declined 2.0%, in each case, as compared to the same quarter of the prior year.

        At a Special Committee meeting held on May 1, 2014, representatives of Greenhill discussed with the Special Committee the conversation between Greenhill and Company A. The Special Committee then reviewed and discussed issues raised by the April 17 Proposal, including the Voting Tail, the "force the vote" provision and the "no shop" provision. The Special Committee also discussed interest expressed by Jefferies in providing the financing to IDB Buyer to acquire the IDB Business. The Special Committee stated that Jefferies should refrain from participating in any discussions regarding financing unless it was clear there were no other sources of financing reasonably available to IDB Buyer and that Jefferies' participation in any financing would benefit GFI Stockholders.

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        On May 7, 2014, representatives of Skadden sent a draft of the GFI Merger Agreement to representatives of White & Case, which reflected the terms contemplated by the April 17 Proposal. Consistent with the April 17 Proposal, the draft of the GFI Merger Agreement contained a requirement that the merger be conditioned upon approval by holders of a majority of the outstanding shares of GFI Common Stock other than JPI and its affiliates.

        At a meeting of the Special Committee held on May 8, 2014, representatives of Greenhill informed the Special Committee that GFI management had provided to Greenhill preliminary financial projections for GFI and its businesses and that they were working with GFI management to better understand these projections. GFI management informed Greenhill that it does not prepare multi-year projections in the ordinary course because, among other reasons, it does not believe that future industry-wide trading volumes can be estimated with any reasonable degree of certainty for the IDB Business. GFI management provided to Greenhill a "base case" set of financial projections for each of the IDB Business and the Trayport and FENICS businesses, referred to as the Management Projections in this proxy statement/prospectus, reflecting the status quo if GFI continues to operate as a public company, and preliminary "credit case" sets of financial projections for the IDB Business, which GFI management had provided to potential financing sources for the IDB Transaction, referred to as the Credit Case Projections in this proxy statement/prospectus. The preliminary Credit Case Projections reflected various assumptions regarding revenue and potential cost savings associated with operating the IDB Business as a private company and the termination of certain investment initiatives that management intended to discontinue if they purchased the IDB Business.

        At a meeting of the Special Committee held on May 13, 2014, representatives of Greenhill gave a presentation to the Special Committee regarding the proposed CME transaction. This presentation included an overview of the asset trading environment, including historical and current market volumes and the uncertainty involved in estimating future trading volumes. The presentation also included Greenhill's preliminary financial analyses. Representatives of Greenhill described the various methodologies used, and discussed the Management Projections and the preliminary Credit Case Projections. Representatives of Greenhill discussed the differences between the Management Projections and the preliminary Credit Case Projections. Representatives of Greenhill discussed the historical relative exchange ratio based on the stock prices of GFI and CME over the past two years, provided analyst perspectives on GFI, noted the market performance of GFI and its peers over the past five years, and presented information related to certain historic trading multiples. Representatives of Greenhill also reviewed and discussed with the Special Committee their preliminary financial analyses, based on the Management Projections and the preliminary Credit Case Projections, including a sum of the parts analysis, an analysis of selected publicly traded companies, a discounted cash flow analysis, and an analysis of precedent transactions and premiums paid. Representatives of Greenhill noted the difficulties in valuing the IDB Business as it is heavily dependent on the volume of trading activity, which, as GFI management confirmed to Greenhill, is difficult to forecast. Representatives of Greenhill also noted that the overall trading environment of the inter-dealer broker business in general has been in decline due to the deleveraging of banks, increased capital requirements and a new regulatory regime which has led to declining trading volumes.

        On May 16, 2014, representatives of Skadden sent a draft of the IDB Purchase Agreement and the JPI Merger Agreement to representatives of Willkie, which reflected the terms contemplated by the IDB Term Sheet.

        On May 16, 2014, representatives of White & Case distributed to the Special Committee a memorandum detailing the various material terms in the GFI Merger Agreement, including the representations and warranties given by CME, the interim operating covenants, the "force the vote" provision, the consents and approvals required, the "no-shop" provisions, the length of the Voting Tail and the circumstances in which CME would receive a termination fee or expense reimbursement.

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        On May 18, 2014, the Special Committee discussed the terms of the draft GFI Merger Agreement sent by representatives of Skadden to representatives of White & Case on May 7, 2014. In particular, the Special Committee discussed CME's proposal to acquire GFI for $4.49 per share, the proposed 18-month Voting Tail, the "force the vote" provision, the "no shop" provision, the termination rights and the termination fee. After considering the analyses presented by Greenhill in previous meetings, the Special Committee discussed how to respond to the CME Proposal. After extensive discussion and in consultation with its legal and financial advisors, the Special Committee decided, as part of its negotiating strategy, to respond with a counteroffer of $4.85 per share of GFI Common Stock. In formulating its negotiating strategy, the Special Committee recognized, without identifying any minimum acceptable merger consideration, that a sale of GFI would likely be in the best interests of GFI's public stockholders at valuations below $4.85 per share. The Special Committee instructed representatives of White & Case to send a revised draft of the GFI Merger Agreement to representatives of Skadden and instructed representatives of Greenhill to discuss pricing and valuation issues with representatives of Barclays. On May 19, 2014, representatives of White & Case sent a revised draft of the GFI Merger Agreement to representatives of Skadden. GFI's closing stock price on May 19, 2014 was $3.37 per share.

        On June 2, the Special Committee met to receive updates from its advisors and to evaluate an indication of interest received by GFI management for the FENICS business from a company referred to as Company B in this proxy statement/prospectus. The Special Committee compared the indication of interest received from Company B, which reflected an indicative valuation for FENICS of $90 million, to a preliminary discounted cash flow valuation for FENICS prepared by Greenhill based on the Management Projections, which implied a higher valuation for FENICS. In view of the lower valuation by Company B of FENICS relative to the discounted cash flow valuation for FENICS, and taking into consideration tax inefficiencies associated with Company B's indication of interest, the Special Committee decided not to pursue the Company B indication of interest. The Special Committee then discussed the valuation of GFI in the proposed transaction with CME. As a result of the Special Committee's and its advisors' earlier negotiations with representatives of CME and Mr. Gooch, representatives of Greenhill noted that CME had raised its offer for GFI to $4.50 per share and substantially reduced its proposed break-up fee by removing from its calculation the amount of debt to be assumed by CME in the proposed transaction. The Special Committee agreed to engage with Mr. Gooch in an attempt to secure an increased price for the IDB Business, which in turn could result in a higher price paid by CME to GFI Stockholders. Thereafter, several members of the Special Committee discussed with Mr. Gooch the purchase price of the IDB Business.

        Representatives of GFI management and Willkie Farr then joined the meeting of the Special Committee. Representatives of GFI management noted that, in their view, CME was unlikely to continue to pursue a transaction with GFI if the Special Committee continued to insist on a price per share of $4.85. Representatives of GFI management then gave an overview of GFI's current financial condition and future prospects in light of depressed trading volumes realized by inter-dealer brokers. The GFI management representatives also informed the Special Committee that Jefferies was the only lender willing to provide acquisition financing to IDB Buyer for the purchase of the IDB Business. The GFI management representatives stated that other traditional and non-traditional lenders showed no interest in providing acquisition financing and only had an interest in potentially providing a credit facility, but only for a term of one year, and were requesting unusually high fees. As a result, GFI management requested that the Special Committee consider permitting Jefferies to provide financing to IDB Buyer. Representatives of GFI management and Willkie Farr then left the meeting.

        The Special Committee discussed the presentation given by representatives of GFI management and after discussion, the Special Committee resolved to consent to Jefferies providing financing to IDB Buyer, as such financing was likely to be the only reasonably available financing to consummate the transactions contemplated by the CME Proposal. The Special Committee then discussed the terms of a

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potential transaction with CME. After discussion with Greenhill and White & Case, the Special Committee directed representatives of Greenhill and White & Case to relay a proposal to representatives of CME of the following key terms: (i) a $4.70 per share price for GFI, (ii) a three-month Voting Tail, (iii) acceptance by the Special Committee of the "force the vote" provision and a break-up fee if the Voting Tail was not longer than three months, (iv) a 20% collar around the exchange ratio for which shares of GFI Common Stock would be exchanged for shares of CME Class A Common Stock and (v) converting the purchase price to a fixed value for GFI Common Stock without regard to the vesting of RSUs. Representatives of Greenhill informed the Special Committee that they had requested updated projections from GFI management with respect to the IDB Business.

        During the period between June 2, 2014 and July 3, 2014 (including a meeting in Chicago on June 19), representatives of CME and its advisors continued to negotiate with Mr. Gooch and his advisors. As a result of these negotiations, the purchase price for the IDB Business proposed to be paid by IDB Buyer was increased to $150 million and then $165 million, in each case in addition to assumption by IDB Buyer of approximately $63 million of additional liabilities, including RSUs. In addition, IDB Buyer finalized the terms of certain commercial agreements with CME, which included an agreement by IDB Buyer to guarantee a minimum of $15 million in revenues for the sale of market data by FENICS. As a result of these negotiations, CME determined to increase its offer to a fixed price of $4.55 per share and to eliminate its demand that the per share purchase price be reduced to reflect any vesting of RSUs after signing.

        On July 3, 2014, representatives of Skadden sent a revised draft of the GFI Merger Agreement and a draft of the GFI Support Agreement to representatives of White & Case that responded to the counter-proposals made by the Special Committee. This draft included CME's increased fixed offer price of $4.55 per share and a reduced Voting Tail of 12 months down from 18 months. GFI's closing stock price on July 3, 2014 was $3.34 per share.

        On July 9, 2014, representatives of White & Case distributed to the Special Committee, a summary detailing the terms of the revised GFI Merger Agreement, IDB Purchase Agreement and GFI Support Agreement, including the increased fixed offer price of $4.55 per share from CME, termination fee and expense reimbursement triggers, the "no-shop" provisions, the purchase price being paid by IDB Buyer and the Voting Tail of 12 months, which was reduced from 18 months as a result of the position taken by the Special Committee.

        On July 10, 2014, the Special Committee, together with representatives of White & Case and representatives of Greenhill met to discuss the revised agreements received from representatives of Skadden, referred to as the July 3 Proposal in this proxy statement/prospectus. The Special Committee discussed certain terms of the July 3 Proposal, including (i) the fixed $4.55 per share price for GFI, which was increased from $4.50 per share in CME's prior proposal, (ii) the proposed cap on the issuance of CME Class A Common Stock, (iii) the regulatory approval conditions, (iv) representations and warranties given to CME regarding the IDB Business, (v) a break-up fee of 3.5% of the aggregate merger consideration, (vi) restrictions in the "no shop" provision, (vii) implications of a 12-month Voting Tail in the draft GFI Support Agreement and (viii) CME's ability to terminate the proposed transaction due to IDB Buyer's failure to effect the purchase of the IDB Business. Representatives of White & Case were informed by representatives of Skadden that the terms of the revised GFI Merger Agreement were CME's "best and final offer" and that CME was not willing to further negotiate the July 3 Proposal. Nevertheless, the Special Committee instructed representatives of White & Case and representatives of Greenhill to continue to negotiate certain terms of the proposed transaction with CME, including the regulatory approval conditions, the financial hardship exception to the Voting Tail and the reimbursement of CME's expenses in certain circumstances.

        On July 16, 2014, the Special Committee met with representatives from White & Case and Greenhill to further discuss and review the July 3 Proposal. Representatives of White & Case provided

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an update regarding the discussion held between representatives of White & Case and representatives of Skadden on July 15, 2014, in which representatives of Skadden again stated that the material terms of the July 3 Proposal were non-negotiable and necessary to justify the raise in the per share price to $4.55.

        On July 22, 2014, the Special Committee met with representatives of White & Case and Greenhill to further discuss the merits of the July 3 Proposal and the scope of the Special Committee's recommendation in connection with the July 3 Proposal, should it decide to accept the July 3 Proposal and recommend it to GFI Stockholders.

        Later that same day, the Special Committee reconvened to discuss the scope of its recommendation and to discuss the provisions of the 12-month Voting Tail and the expense reimbursement provision whereby GFI would reimburse certain expenses of CME should the GFI Merger Agreement be terminated for a failure of IDB Buyer to obtain regulatory approval for the transaction. The Special Committee agreed that it would accept a transaction where JPI agreed to the 12-month Voting Tail and the expense reimbursement provision, provided that the Voting Tail was terminable in the event of financial hardship faced by GFI.

        During the week of July 27, 2014, representatives of Willkie Farr and White & Case discussed with various officers of GFI certain provisions of the GFI Merger Agreement, the JPI Merger Agreement, the IDB Purchase Agreement, the GFI Support Agreement and the preparation of the GFI disclosure schedules.

        After further discussion with the Special Committee, over the course of July 27, 2014 through July 29, 2014, representatives of White & Case and representatives of Skadden and Willkie Farr continued to negotiate the terms of the GFI Merger Agreement and related transactions documents, including a financial hardship exception to the Voting Tail, easing the restrictions on the interim operating covenants, the elimination of third party consents as a closing condition and reducing the regulatory approvals required to close the transactions.

        On July 29, 2014, the Special Committee met to discuss the proposed transaction. The Special Committee was informed by representatives of GFI management that articles and rumors around the proposed transaction with CME had been published in certain trade publications. Representatives from White & Case reviewed with the Special Committee its fiduciary duties and then described to the Special Committee the terms of the proposed GFI Merger Agreement with CME, including the financial terms, the approval by holders of a majority of the outstanding shares of GFI Common Stock other than JPI and its affiliates, allocation of antitrust risk, closing conditions, termination rights, termination fee and expense reimbursements, including triggering events, and other terms and conditions. Representatives of Greenhill led the Special Committee through its financial and valuation analyses of GFI. Greenhill also discussed the inter-dealer broker market environment and presented a summary financial and valuation analysis of the IDB Business. This analysis included a sum of the parts analysis, an analysis of selected publicly traded companies, a discounted cash flow analysis and an analysis of precedent transactions and premiums paid. The discounted cash flow analysis was based on the Management Projections and the revised Credit Case Projections. Greenhill discussed with the Special Committee the differences between these cases and the assumptions and limitations of the Management Projections and the revised Credit Case Projections, which were prepared by GFI management following additional due diligence. In performing its analysis, Greenhill did not rely on the preliminary Credit Case Projections. See the section entitled "The GFI Merger—Certain Forecasts" beginning on page [    ] of this proxy statement/prospectus.

        The Special Committee then further discussed with its financial and legal advisors the merits and considerations of the proposed CME transaction. Following that discussion, based upon Greenhill's financial and valuation analysis of GFI described below, Greenhill gave its fairness opinion to the

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Special Committee orally regarding the fairness of the exchange ratio, from a financial point of view, to the holders of GFI Common Stock (other than the JPI Holders), which was later confirmed and delivered in writing.

        Representatives of White & Case also reviewed with the Special Committee the terms of the proposed JPI Merger Agreement, the IDB Purchase Agreement, the GFI Support Agreement and the financing commitment from Jefferies to IDB Parent. After considering, among other items, the proposed terms of the GFI Merger Agreement, the JPI Merger Agreement, the IDB Purchase Agreement, the GFI Support Agreement and the Commitment Letter, the various presentations it received from its legal and financial advisors (including Greenhill's opinion dated July 29, 2014), and taking into consideration the factors described under "The GFI Merger—Recommendation of the Special Committee and GFI Board; Reasons for the GFI Merger" and "The GFI Merger—Interests of GFI Directors and Executive Officers in the GFI Merger" beginning on pages [    ] and [    ], respectively, of this proxy statement/prospectus, the Special Committee determined that the GFI Merger Agreement and the GFI Merger were advisable, fair to and in the best interests of GFI and its stockholders and approved the GFI Merger Agreement and the GFI Merger and recommended to the GFI Board that it adopt and declare advisable the GFI Merger Agreement and the GFI Merger.

        Immediately following the conclusion of the meeting of the Special Committee, the GFI Board met along with certain members of GFI management, financial and legal advisors to the Special Committee and Willkie Farr, and the Special Committee reported that it had unanimously recommended that the GFI Board approve, adopt and declare advisable the GFI Merger Agreement and the GFI Merger and recommend to GFI Stockholders that such stockholders adopt the GFI Merger Agreement and approve the GFI Merger. The GFI Board also discussed a letter emailed to Mr. Gooch and Mr. Heffron earlier that day from BGC. Mr. Gooch read aloud the letter to the other participants at the meeting, who were previously unaware of the letter. In the letter, BGC expressed an interest in initiating discussions regarding a potential strategic transaction involving GFI, but did not set forth any valuation ranges for GFI. The members of the GFI Board, given their prior experiences with representatives of BGC and familiarity with the industry, concluded that BGC's proposal was highly speculative in nature given its lack of any specificity, and did not ensure that discussions with BGC would result in a definitive proposal. Further, the GFI Board concluded, in its judgment, that BGC was unlikely to pay a higher premium for GFI than CME. In addition, Mr. Gooch, in his capacity as a representative of JPI, noted that JPI intended to vote against any transaction involving GFI with any party other than CME. After further discussion, the GFI Board moved to vote on the GFI Merger Agreement. Messrs. Gooch and Heffron abstained from the vote, and the remaining members of the GFI Board (which consisted of the members of the Special Committee), acting on behalf of the entire GFI Board unanimously voted to approve, adopt and declare advisable the GFI Merger Agreement and the GFI Merger and further to recommend that GFI Stockholders adopt the GFI Merger Agreement and approve the GFI Merger, and that the approval of the GFI Merger be submitted for consideration of GFI Stockholders at a special meeting of such stockholders.

        The CME Board met on July 29, 2014. Following a presentation by CME management regarding the principle terms of the GFI Merger, the JPI Merger, the IDB Transaction and related transactions, the CME Board approved the transactions and authorized CME management to enter into the respective agreements on behalf of CME.

        On July 30, 2014, the GFI Merger Agreement was executed by CME and GFI, and the parties to the JPI Merger Agreement, the IDB Purchase Agreement, the GFI Support Agreement and the financing commitment from Jefferies to IDB Parent executed such agreements. For a discussion of the GFI Merger Agreement, JPI Merger Agreement, the IDB Purchase Agreement, the GFI Support Agreement and the Commitment Letter, see the sections entitled "The GFI Merger Agreement" beginning on page [    ] of this proxy statement/prospectus, "JPI Merger Agreement" beginning on page [    ] of this proxy statement/prospectus, "IDB Purchase Agreement" beginning on page [    ] of

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this proxy statement/prospectus, "The GFI Support Agreement" beginning on page [    ] of this proxy statement/prospectus and "Financing Documents" beginning on page [    ] of this proxy statement/prospectus.

        Before the NYSE opened on July 30, 2014, CME and GFI issued a joint press release announcing the execution of the GFI Merger Agreement.

        On September 8, 2014, Shaun D. Lynn, President of BGC, sent a letter to the GFI Board notifying the GFI Board of BGC's plan to commence a tender offer for 100% of the outstanding shares of GFI Common Stock at $5.25 per share in cash. The text of the letter, which is referred to as the September 8, 2014 Letter in this proxy statement/prospectus, was as follows:

September 8, 2014

Mr. Michael Gooch
Ms. Marisa Cassoni
Mr. Frank Fanzilli, Jr.
Mr. Colin Heffron
Mr. Richard Magee

c/o Christopher D'Antuono, General Counsel and Corporate Secretary
GFI Group Inc.
55 Water Street
New York, New York 10041

To the Board of Directors of GFI Group Inc. ("GFI"):

As you know, BGC Partners, Inc. ("BGC") has over the course of several years repeatedly expressed an interest in acquiring GFI, and on July 29, 2014 delivered a letter to Messrs. Michael Gooch and Colin Heffron detailing its interest in acquiring 100% of GFI. We had expected to engage in a discussion, and therefore we were surprised to read the press release announcing your agreement with CME Group Inc. ("CME"). Your agreement provides for a two-step transaction in which CME will acquire all of the outstanding shares of GFI in exchange for $4.55 per share in CME Group Class A Common Stock, and immediately sell GFI's wholesale brokerage and clearing businesses (including net cash, cash equivalents and clearing deposits of $191 million) to a private consortium of GFI's management, including Messrs. Gooch and Heffron, for $165 million in cash and the assumption, at closing, of certain unvested deferred compensation and other liabilities.

BGC owns approximately 13.5% of GFI's common stock. We believe that GFI's customers and brokers would benefit from GFI being part of a larger, better capitalized and more diversified company. We are confident that a combination of GFI and BGC will produce increased productivity per broker, meaningful synergies and significant cost savings. We therefore continue to seek a negotiated merger with GFI that would provide superior value to your shareholders, and we are prepared to begin such negotiations immediately. However, given your lack of response to our offers, and our belief that the pending transaction deprives GFI shareholders of the opportunity to realize appropriate value, particularly given the significant discount agreed to with respect to the purchase of the brokerage and clearing business, we intend to make an offer directly to the GFI shareholders.

Our plan is to commence a cash tender offer to purchase 100% of the outstanding shares of common stock of GFI at $5.25 per share in cash, representing a premium of (i) more than 68% to the price of GFI's common stock on July 29, 2014, the day before announcement of the transaction with CME, and (ii) more than 15% to the price offered by CME. Our tender offer will be conditioned on the tender of a sufficient number of shares of common stock of GFI such that, when added with the GFI common stock that we own, we would own a majority of the outstanding GFI common stock, on a fully diluted

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basis. The tender offer will not be subject to any financing contingency. Nor will the offer be subject to the negotiation or execution of any merger agreement or other agreement with GFI or CME.

This all-cash offer will provide the GFI shareholders with immediate, certain and compelling value, without material contingencies.

We believe that there should not be any obstacles to completing our tender offer expeditiously. Our antitrust advisors at Wachtell, Lipton, Rosen & Katz have conducted an analysis of the competitive landscape and, based on their extensive experience and knowledge of the industry, have independently determined that there are no material regulatory obstacles to completing the transaction.

Without material contingencies and at a significant all-cash premium to the pending transaction, we believe that our offer constitutes a superior proposal to the pending transaction, and that your shareholders will find our offer extremely compelling.

By approving the merger agreement with CME, you, GFI's board of directors, have determined to sell the company for $4.55 per share. Therefore, any action that you take, or allow the company or its management to take, to impair the ability of your shareholders to accept our $5.25 per share offer (such as the adoption of a poison pill), or that would negatively affect the value of the company (including actions outside of the ordinary course of business or inconsistent with past practice), either prior to, or after we commence our offer would be a clear breach of the board's fiduciary duties. We will consider any and all options available to us to halt, block or otherwise limit any such inappropriate actions. Our proposal is clearly superior to the existing transaction involving CME and GFI's management, a transaction that we believe reflects deep conflicts of interest.

We are prepared to make the offer to the GFI shareholders, but we continue to be willing to negotiate directly with GFI, Messrs. Gooch and Heffron and CME regarding a consensual transaction among the parties. We are open to discussing and addressing social issues such as senior management team composition and other concerns that you may have. We are available to commence such discussions immediately and hope that you accept our invitation to do so.

Sincerely,    

/s/ SHAUN D. LYNN

Shaun D. Lynn
President
BGC Partners, Inc.
499 Park Avenue
New York, NY 10022

 

 

        The text of the letter, dated as of July 29, 2014, referenced in the September 8, 2014 Letter, was as follows:

July 29, 2014

Michael Gooch
Executive Chairman

and

Colin Heffron
Chief Executive Officer
GFI Group Inc.
55 Water Street
New York, New York 10041

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Dear Mickey and Colin:

I have always had tremendous respect for you both, your company and the success of your business. It is this respect that leads us to propose discussions concerning our interest in acquiring GFI Group, Inc. ("GFI") by means of an acquisition of all or substantially all of GFI's assets or an acquisition of 100% of GFI's outstanding shares (the "Transaction").

We believe that GFI and BGC Partners, Inc. ("BGC") are an excellent fit together, and that the combination of our businesses is compelling from both an operating synergy and growth perspective. The combined company would offer a larger platform from which we can together grow our wholesale brokerage and electronic trading businesses, and our experience and strong track record of success with electronic trading and financial services technology provides a compelling rationale for a Transaction.

Based on publicly available information and our knowledge of GFI, we are confident we can offer a price per share substantially in excess of GFI's current trading price, in cash, stock or some combination thereof.

Because we believe we can offer a price per share at a substantial premium to current trading prices, representing an immediate, certain and compelling value to GFI's shareholders, we hope you will share our proposal with your Board of Directors and meet with us to discuss a possible acquisition of GFI by BGC in more detail. If you would like, we would welcome the opportunity to discuss a potential Transaction with you prior to or contemporaneously with your discussions regarding this letter with your Board of Directors. (We would also be willing to discuss an acquisition involving solely the stock or assets of Trayport.)

It is our preference to work together with you both and the GFI Board of Directors to reach a mutually agreeable Transaction. We strongly prefer to conduct our negotiations with you privately and in an expeditious manner. We ask that BGC's interest in GFI and the existence and contents of this letter be kept confidential and not disclosed without our prior written consent.

I hope that each of you and the GFI Board of Directors will recognize the outstanding opportunity presented by an acquisition of GFI by BGC. We look forward to discussing a possible transaction with you.

Sincerely,    

/s/ SHAUN D. LYNN

Shaun D. Lynn
President
BGC Partners, Inc.
slynn@bgcpartners.com
+44 207 894 8727

 

 

        On September 9, 2014, BGC publicly announced the BGC Proposal.

        On September 11, 2014, the Special Committee met with representatives of White & Case and Greenhill to review the BGC Proposal. At the meeting, the members of the Special Committee, in consultation with representatives of White & Case and Greenhill, reviewed the BGC Proposal to assess how best to continue maximizing value for GFI Stockholders and comply with the Special Committee's and GFI's obligations under the GFI Merger Agreement. The Special Committee unanimously determined that the BGC Proposal could reasonably be expected to lead to a Superior Proposal. Following the meeting of the Special Committee, the GFI Board (other than Mr. Heffron, who was not present) met and, upon the unanimous recommendation of the Special Committee, which was determined in good faith after consultation with its outside legal counsel and independent financial

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advisor, the GFI Board (with Mr. Gooch abstaining and Mr. Heffron not present) determined that the BGC Proposal could reasonably be expected to lead to a Superior Proposal. The GFI Board was required to make this determination because, under the terms of the GFI Merger Agreement, the GFI Board must first determine in good faith that the BGC Proposal could reasonably be expected to lead to a Superior Proposal before GFI is permitted to participate in any discussions or negotiations with BGC or its representatives regarding the BGC Proposal or, subject to the execution of a confidentiality agreement, furnish information regarding GFI or any of its subsidiaries to BGC or its representatives. On September 15, 2014, GFI issued a press release indicating the same.

        Following the announcement of the BGC Proposal, representatives of IDB Buyer approached the Special Committee to request that it waive any potential conflicts associated with Jefferies, GFI's financial advisor, assisting IDB Buyer in evaluating its options in response to the BGC Proposal. After consulting with representatives of White & Case and Greenhill, at a meeting held on September 17, 2014, the Special Committee agreed to waive any potential conflicts associated with Jefferies assisting IDB Buyer in such respect because the Special Committee believed such assistance would be in the best interests of GFI Stockholders.

        From September 15, 2014, the Special Committee and representatives of White & Case negotiated with BGC and its legal advisor, Wachtell, with respect to the terms of a confidentiality agreement with BGC, which is a prerequisite under the GFI Merger Agreement to furnishing information regarding GFI and its subsidiaries to BGC. BGC has not executed any such confidentiality agreement.

        On September 26, 2014, representatives of BGC, Wachtell and Cantor Fitzgerald L.P., BGC's financial advisor, met by teleconference with representatives of White & Case and Greenhill to discuss the BGC Proposal.

        On October 21, 2014, Shaun D. Lynn, President of BGC, sent a letter to the GFI Board notifying the GFI Board of BGC's plan to commence the BGC Offer. The text of the letter was as follows:

October 21, 2014

Mr. Michael Gooch
Ms. Marisa Cassoni
Mr. Frank Fanzilli, Jr.
Mr. Colin Heffron
Mr. Richard Magee

c/o Christopher D'Antuono, General Counsel and Corporate Secretary
GFI Group Inc.
55 Water Street

New York, New York 10041

To the Board of Directors of GFI Group Inc. ("GFI"):

Following our letter of September 8, 2014 in which we stated our intent to commence a $5.25 per share all-cash tender offer to acquire all the outstanding shares of GFI common stock that we do not already own, BGC Partners, Inc.("BGC") has made good-faith attempts to privately negotiate a confidentiality agreement with you in anticipation of negotiating an agreement to acquire GFI. We were only seeking information regarding the Trayport and FENICS businesses, and not the brokerage businesses, and had offered to execute a non-solicitation and non-hire provision regarding these Trayport and FENICS employees. Regrettably, we have been met with unreasonable demands and delay tactics in our efforts to establish even this agreement with GFI. This has precluded us from gaining the information we were seeking and prevented any serious discussions of a potential negotiated transaction. Accordingly, BGC plans to make its offer directly to GFI shareholders via a tender offer to commence tomorrow.

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We believe the existing agreement involving CME Group ("CME"), GFI and affiliates of GFI management, which would enable GFI management to purchase the brokerage business from CME at a discount, reflects deep conflicts of interest and would deprive GFI shareholders of the value of their investment. Furthermore, BGC's $5.25 per share all-cash offer delivers far greater value than your agreement with CME for $4.55 per share in CME stock and represents a premium of (i) more than 68% to the price of GFI's common stock on July 29, 2014, the day before announcement of the transaction with CME, and (ii) more than 15% to the price offered by CME. Our all-cash offer will provide GFI shareholders with immediate, certain and compelling value, without material contingencies or significant execution risk. It will not be subject to a financing condition.

As an owner of 13.5% of GFI's common stock, we continue to believe that GFI's customers and brokers would benefit from GFI being part of a larger, better capitalized and more diversified company. We are confident that a combination of GFI and BGC will produce increased productivity per broker and meaningful synergies.

Our offer is clearly superior to the transaction involving CME and GFI's management. We had hoped that GFI's press release dated September 15 announcing the determination of the GFI Special Committee and Board that our offer "could reasonably be expected to lead to a 'Superior Proposal"' represented a serious willingness to engage in discussions with us to reach a negotiated transaction free of any conflicts of interest. Given that expectation, we are disappointed that our various proposals regarding the terms of the confidentiality agreement covering the Trayport and FENICS information have been unacceptable to GFI and the management team, who have thwarted any merger negotiations. In light of your rejection of the terms of our proposed confidentiality agreement covering the Trayport and FENICS information, we have reached an impasse. Accordingly, we are now commencing our all-cash tender offer, which permits GFI shareholders to make their own decisions regarding their ownership of GFI. The tender offer is not subject to any financing condition and is also not conditioned on the termination of GFI's merger agreement with CME or the support agreement executed by certain affiliates of GFI management.

We remain open to seeking a negotiated transaction with GFI and the CME and we are also open to conversations with GFI management regarding matters related to such agreement. However, in the interests of all shareholders, we will not delay commencing our tender offer any further.

We continue to believe that we will be able to complete our tender offer expeditiously and that the GFI shareholders will recognize the superiority of our offer over the GFI Merger Agreement and we encourage them to tender their shares.

Sincerely,    

/s/ SHAUN D. LYNN

Shaun D. Lynn
President
BGC Partners, Inc.
499 Park Avenue
New York, NY 10022

 

 

        On October 22, 2014, BGC Purchaser commenced the BGC Offer. Later in the afternoon of October 22, 2014, the Special Committee held a meeting to discuss and review the BGC Offer as compared to the GFI Merger.

        On October 23, 2014, representatives of White & Case held a telephonic meeting with representatives of Wachtell to discuss the terms of the BGC Offer and BGC's status in obtaining required regulatory approvals in connection with the BGC Offer.

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        On October 27, 2014, the Special Committee held a meeting with representatives of White & Case, Greenhill and Richards, Layton & Finger, Delaware counsel to the Special Committee, which is referred to as RLF in this proxy statement/prospectus. The Special Committee received updates from representatives of White & Case regarding their prior discussion with representatives of Wachtell concerning the BGC Offer. The Special Committee and representatives of White & Case discussed the conditions to the BGC Offer, as well as the potential implications of the Special Committee's recommendation with respect to the BGC Offer, including the potential implications on the GFI Merger Agreement. Representatives of Greenhill gave a presentation to the Special Committee regarding the BGC Offer, including a comparison, from a financial point of view, of the consideration to be paid in the BGC Offer and the consideration to be paid in the GFI Merger, and the terms of BGC's committed financing for the BGC Offer.

        On October 29, 2014, the Special Committee, together with representatives of White & Case, Greenhill and RLF, met to further discuss the terms and conditions of the BGC Offer.

        On October 31, 2014, the Special Committee further discussed the terms and conditions of the BGC Offer with representatives of White & Case, Greenhill and RLF.

        On November 3, the Special Committee held a meeting to review the BGC Offer. At the meeting, the Special Committee, in consultation with representatives of White & Case, Greenhill and RLF, reviewed the BGC Offer and the objective of maximizing value for GFI Stockholders while complying with the Special Committee's fiduciary duties under applicable law and GFI's obligations under the GFI Merger Agreement. Following these discussions and further consultation with its advisors, the Special Committee unanimously recommended that the GFI Board recommend that GFI Stockholders reject the BGC Offer and not tender their shares of GFI Common Stock pursuant to the BGC Offer, and reaffirmed its recommendation in support of the GFI Merger Agreement.

        Immediately following the Special Committee meeting, the GFI Board met with the Special Committee and the Special Committee's legal and financial advisors to review the BGC Offer and decide upon next steps. The Special Committee delivered its unanimous recommendation to the GFI Board with respect to the BGC Offer. After careful consideration of the unanimous determination and recommendation of the Special Committee, the GFI Board (with Messrs. Gooch and Heffron abstaining) unanimously recommended that GFI Stockholders reject the BGC Offer and not tender their shares of GFI Common Stock pursuant to the BGC Offer, and reaffirmed its recommendation in support of the GFI Merger Agreement.

        On November 4, 2014, GFI filed with the SEC a Current Report on Form 8-K to report the issuance of a press release announcing the GFI Board's determination to reject the BGC Offer and a solicitation/recommendation statement on Schedule 14D-9 setting forth the Special Committee's and the GFI Board's respective recommendations that GFI Stockholders reject the BGC Offer and not tender their shares of GFI Common Stock pursuant to the BGC Offer and the reaffirmation of their respective recommendations in support of the GFI Merger Agreement.

        On November 6, 2014, BGC issued a press release responding to GFI's solicitation/recommendation statement and reaffirming its commitment to completing the BGC Offer.

        On November 12, 2014, BGC issued a press release announcing its plan to file an amended Schedule TO with the SEC on the same day and urging GFI Stockholders to tender their shares of GFI Common Stock pursuant to the BGC Offer. Later that day, BGC and BGC Purchaser filed Amendment No. 1 to the Schedule TO, which narrowed several of the conditions to the BGC Offer.

        On November 19, 2014, BGC and BGC Purchaser filed Amendment No. 2 to the Schedule TO regarding, among others, the receipt of approval from the United Kingdom Financial Conduct Authority for BGC's consummation of the BGC Offer.

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        On November 20, 2014, BGC Purchaser extended the BGC Offer until 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on December 9, 2014, unless further extended. No other terms or conditions of the BGC Offer were amended.

        On November 28, 2014, GFI filed with the SEC Amendment No. 2 to Schedule 14D-9 informing GFI Stockholders that, as of the date thereof, discussions regarding the terms and conditions of the BGC Offer were ongoing between the Special Committee's advisors and BGC's advisors, including negotiations regarding the terms of an agreement relating to the BGC Offer.

        During the period between October 22, 2014, when BGC Purchaser commenced the BGC Offer, and December 2, 2014, representatives of CME and its advisors continued to negotiate with Mr. Gooch and his advisors. As a result of these negotiations, the purchase price for the IDB Business proposed to be paid by IDB Buyer was increased to $254 million, in addition to assumption by IDB Buyer of approximately $72 million of additional liabilities, including RSUs. This $89 million raise represents approximately $0.70 per share of GFI Common Stock. As a result of these negotiations, CME determined to pass along this raise in its entirety to GFI Stockholders by increasing its offer from a fixed price of $4.55 per share to a fixed price of $5.25 per share.

        On November 28, 2014, representatives of Skadden sent drafts of amendments to the GFI Merger Agreement, the JPI Merger Agreement and the IDB Purchase Agreement and a draft of a waiver to the GFI Support Agreement to representatives of White & Case. Over the course of the following days, representatives of Skadden and representatives of White & Case discussed the terms of the amendments to the GFI Merger Agreement, the JPI Merger Agreement and the IDB Purchase Agreement and the waiver to the GFI Support Agreement. On November 30, representatives of White & Case distributed to the Special Committee the drafts of the amendments and the waiver received from representatives of Skadden, as well as a summary detailing the terms of the amendments.

        On November 30, 2014, GFI management provided to Greenhill an updated "base case" set of financial projections for the IDB Business, which, together with the projections for the Trayport and FENICS businesses included in the Management Projections, are referred to as the Updated Management Projections in this proxy statement/prospectus, and final "credit case" sets of financial projections for the IDB Business, which are referred to as the final Credit Case Projections in this proxy statement/prospectus.

        On December 1, 2014, the Special Committee, together with representatives of White & Case and representatives of Greenhill, met to discuss the amendment to the GFI Merger Agreement received from representatives of Skadden. Representatives from White & Case reviewed with the Special Committee its fiduciary duties and then described to the Special Committee the terms of the proposed amendment to the GFI Merger Agreement. Representatives of Greenhill led the Special Committee through its financial and valuation analyses of GFI, which is described below under the section entitled "The GFI Merger—Opinion of Special Committee's Financial Advisor," beginning on page [            ] of this proxy statement/prospectus. Following that discussion, based upon Greenhill's financial and valuation analysis of GFI described below, Greenhill gave its fairness opinion to the Special Committee orally regarding the fairness, from a financial point of view, of the Merger Consideration to be received by the holders of GFI Common Stock (other than the JPI Holders) in the GFI Merger to such holders, which was later confirmed and delivered in writing, and is attached to this proxy statement/prospectus as Annex F.

        Representatives of White & Case also reviewed with the Special Committee the terms of the proposed amendments to the JPI Merger Agreement, the IDB Purchase Agreement and the Commitment Letter and waiver to the GFI Support Agreement. After considering, among other items, the proposed terms of the amendments to the GFI Merger Agreement, the JPI Merger Agreement, the IDB Purchase Agreement and the Commitment Letter and the waiver to the GFI Support Agreement, each of which were still subject to resolution of the remaining open items among the other parties thereto, and taking into consideration Greenhill's fairness opinion and the other factors described under "The GFI Merger—Recommendation of the Special Committee and GFI Board; Reasons for the

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GFI Merger" and "The GFI Merger—Interests of GFI Directors and Executive Officers in the GFI Merger" beginning on pages [            ] and [            ], respectively, of this proxy statement/prospectus, the Special Committee determined that the GFI Merger Agreement, as amended, and the GFI Merger were advisable, fair to and in the best interests of GFI and its stockholders and approved the GFI Merger Agreement, as amended, and the GFI Merger and recommended to the GFI Board that it adopt and declare advisable the GFI Merger Agreement, as amended, and the GFI Merger.

        Immediately following the conclusion of the meeting of the Special Committee, the GFI Board met along with the financial and legal advisors to the Special Committee, and the Special Committee reported that it had unanimously recommended that the GFI Board approve, adopt and declare advisable the GFI Merger Agreement, as amended, and the GFI Merger and recommend to GFI Stockholders that such stockholders adopt the GFI Merger Agreement, as amended, and approve the GFI Merger. After further discussion, the GFI Board moved to vote on the GFI Merger Agreement, as amended. With Messrs. Gooch and Heffron abstaining from the vote, the remaining members of the GFI Board (which consisted of the members of the Special Committee), acting on behalf of the entire GFI Board, unanimously voted to approve, adopt and declare advisable the GFI Merger Agreement, as amended, and the GFI Merger and further to recommend that GFI Stockholders adopt the GFI Merger Agreement, as amended, and approve the GFI Merger, and that the approval of the GFI Merger be submitted for consideration of GFI Stockholders at a special meeting of such stockholders.

        On the evening of December 2, 2014, the amendment to the GFI Merger Agreement was executed by CME and GFI, and the parties to the JPI Merger Agreement, the IDB Purchase Agreement, the Commitment Letter and the GFI Support Agreement executed the respective amendments and waiver, as applicable, to such agreements. For a discussion of the GFI Merger Agreement, JPI Merger Agreement, the IDB Purchase Agreement, the Commitment Letter and the GFI Support Agreement, see the sections entitled "The GFI Merger Agreement" beginning on page [            ] of this proxy statement/prospectus, "JPI Merger Agreement" beginning on page [            ] of this proxy statement/prospectus, "IDB Purchase Agreement" beginning on page [            ] of this proxy statement/prospectus, "Financing Documents" beginning on page [            ] of this proxy statement/prospectus and "The GFI Support Agreement" beginning on page [            ] of this proxy statement/prospectus.

        After the NYSE closed on December 2, 2014, CME and GFI issued a joint press release announcing the execution of the amendment to the GFI Merger Agreement.

        On December 3, 2014, Ms. Cassoni advised her advisors that she was resigning from the Special Committee for personal reasons. Ms. Cassoni's resignation became effective December 5, 2014.

        On December 9, 2014, BGC issued a press release announcing the extension of the BGC Offer until 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on January 6, 2015, unless further extended, and the satisfaction of the regulatory closing condition under the BGC Offer.

        On December 10, 2014, BGC and BGC Purchaser filed Amendment No. 4 to the Schedule TO extending the BGC Offer and lowering the minimum tender condition under the BGC Offer to 45% of the outstanding shares of GFI Common Stock. On December 11, 2014, Shaun D. Lynn, President of BGC, sent a letter to the GFI Board and the Special Committee notifying them of BGC's revised

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proposal to purchase all outstanding shares of GFI Common Stock for $5.45 per share in cash. The text of the letter was as follows:

December 11, 2014

Board of Directors and Special Committee of GFI Group Inc.
c/o Christopher D'Antuono, General Counsel and Corporate Secretary
GFI Group Inc.
55 Water Street
New York, New York 10041

c/o Morton A. Pierce and Bryan J. Luchs
White & Case LLP
1155 Avenue of the Americas
New York, New York 10036

To the Board of Directors and Special Committee of GFI Group Inc. ("GFI"):

As you know, we commenced a tender offer on October 22, 2014 to acquire 100% of the stock of GFI for $5.25 in cash, and have engaged in extensive negotiations with counsel to the special committee of the GFI board to amend the terms of the offer so that the special committee would change its recommendation in favor of our offer. We believe that, as a result of those negotiations, we had reached substantial agreement with counsel to the special committee on the form of a tender offer agreement that could be executed between GFI and BGC Partners following the termination of the merger agreement between GFI and the CME Group Inc. Following agreement on this form, but prior to a change in recommendation by the special committee, CME Group and GFI management submitted a revised merger agreement that would provide GFI stockholders with CME common stock and cash with an aggregate value of $5.25 per share.

While we continue to believe our existing all-cash $5.25 offer is superior to the offer provided by CME and GFI management because it provides GFI shareholders with immediate and certain value, in light of the revised CME/GFI management agreement, we are hereby submitting a revised proposal to acquire 100% of the GFI common stock at $5.45 per share in cash. Except for the increase in purchase price, our revised offer would be on the same terms and conditions set forth in the form of tender offer agreement that we had negotiated with counsel to the special committee. Accordingly, our offer would not subject to a financing condition. We also recently obtained the final regulatory approval that we were seeking to complete the transaction, and therefore, we see no regulatory impediment to closing our transaction immediately.

As previously discussed with counsel to the special committee, we would deliver the executed tender offer support agreement pursuant to an escrow letter. To address the remaining concern that counsel to the special committee had raised regarding the escrow letter, we would be willing to remove the provision in the escrow letter that had provided that the escrow would terminate if the GFI special committee did not satisfy the board condition prior to the completion of our tender offer. Therefore, our revised offer is superior to the current CME/GFI management agreement in every way—value, speed and certainty.

In addition to the clear superiority of our offer for GFI stockholders, we continue to believe that GFI's customers and brokers would benefit from GFI being part of a larger, better capitalized and more diversified company. We remain confident that a combination of GFI and BGC will result in increased productivity per broker and meaningful synergies.

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Our offer therefore clearly provides GFI stockholders with value that is superior to that offered by the CME and GFI management and also provides superior value to GFI's other constituencies. We look forward to re-engaging in discussions with you to finalize the transaction.

Sincerely,

/s/ SHAUN D. LYNN  

Shaun D. Lynn
President
BGC Partners, Inc.
499 Park Avenue
New York, NY 10022

        On December 12, 2014, the Special Committee met with representatives of White & Case, RLF and Greenhill to review the Revised BGC Proposal. At the meeting, the members of the Special Committee, in consultation with representatives of White & Case, RLF and Greenhill, reviewed the Revised BGC Proposal. The Special Committee unanimously determined that the Revised BGC Proposal could reasonably be expected to lead to a "Superior Proposal" (as defined in the GFI Merger Agreement) and resolved to recommend that the GFI Board determine the same, which is referred to as the Special Committee's Recommendation in this proxy statement/prospectus. That same day, the Special Committee requested that GFI convene a meeting of the GFI Board to act on the Special Committee's Recommendation. A meeting of the GFI Board was held on December 18, 2014.

        At the December 18 meeting of the GFI Board, members of the GFI Board asked questions about the status of discussions with BGC and about the Revised BGC Proposal.

        The GFI Board decided to reconvene to further discuss the Revised BGC Proposal and to vote on whether the Revised BGC Proposal could reasonably be expected to lead to a "Superior Proposal" (as defined in the GFI Merger Agreement).

        On December 19, 2014, BGC and BGC Purchaser filed Amendment No. 5 to the Schedule TO to reflect the revised proposal to purchase all outstanding shares of GFI Common Stock for $5.45 per share in cash.

        A meeting of the GFI Board was held on December 20, 2014, at which the GFI Board further discussed the Revised BGC Proposal.


Effect of the GFI Merger; Consideration to be Received in the GFI Merger; Treatment of RSUs and Stock Options

Effect of the GFI Merger

        If the GFI Merger is completed, Merger Sub 1 will merge with and into GFI, with GFI continuing as the surviving corporation, which will be followed immediately by a merger of GFI as the surviving corporation with and into Merger Sub 2, with Merger Sub 2 continuing as the surviving company and a wholly-owned subsidiary of CME.


Consideration to be Received in the GFI Merger

        As a result of the GFI Merger, each GFI Stockholder will have the right, with respect to each share of GFI Common Stock held, to elect to receive the Merger Consideration consisting of either cash, subject to the proration described herein, or shares of CME Class A Common Stock equal to the Exchange Ratio. The Exchange Ratio is a fraction, the numerator of which equals $5.25 and the denominator of which equals the Average Closing CME Stock Price. The value of the Merger Consideration consisting of shares of CME Class A Common Stock will fluctuate with the market price of CME Class A Common Stock based on the Average Closing CME Stock Price. In the event that CME changes the number of shares of CME Class A Common Stock issued and outstanding prior to the Effective Time as a result of a distribution, reclassification, stock split including a reverse stock split), stock dividend or distribution, recapitalization, subdivision, or other similar transaction, the

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Merger Consideration consisting of shares of CME Class A Common Stock will be equitably adjusted to eliminate the effects of such event on the Merger Consideration. Whether a GFI Stockholder makes a cash election or a stock election, the value of the consideration that such GFI Stockholder will be entitled to receive as of the date of completion of the GFI Merger is expected to be similar, although the value may not be identical because the amount of the stock consideration will be based on the Average Closing CME Stock Price, which may be different from the market price of the CME Class A Common Stock as of the date of completion of the GFI Merger.

        GFI Stockholders may specify different elections with respect to different shares held by them. For example, if a GFI Stockholder has 100 shares, the stockholder could make a cash election with respect to 50 shares and a stock election with respect to the other 50 shares. Prior to the Effective Time, CME will mail a form of election to each holder of record and beneficial owner of shares of GFI Common Stock as of a specified date selected by CME. Upon request, CME will also make forms of election available to GFI Stockholders who become holders of record or beneficial owners of GFI Common Stock during the election period. Procedures for making your election and returning the form of election are described more fully in the section entitled "The GFI Merger Agreement—Form of Election" beginning on page [      ] in the proxy statement/prospectus.

        The GFI Merger Agreement provides that each GFI Stockholder who makes a valid cash election will have the right to receive, in exchange for each share of GFI Common Stock for which a valid cash election is made, an amount in cash equal to $5.25 per share (without interest), subject to proration as described herein.

        The GFI Merger Agreement provides that each GFI Stockholder will have the right to receive, in exchange for each share of GFI Common Stock for which a valid stock election is made, a number of shares of CME Class A Common Stock equal $5.25 divided by the Average Closing CME Stock Price. We sometimes refer to the number of shares of CME Class A Common Stock received per share of GFI Common Stock for which a valid stock election is made as the "Per Share Stock Consideration."

        If you are a GFI Stockholder and you do not make an election to receive cash or CME Class A Common Stock in the GFI Merger, your elections are not received by the exchange agent by the election deadline, or your forms of election are improperly completed and/or are not signed, you will be deemed not to have made an election. GFI Stockholders not making an election will have the right to receive $5.25 (without interest) in exchange for each share of GFI Common Stock, subject to proration as described herein.

        The maximum available cash component of the total consideration to be paid by CME in the GFI Merger is $89 million. If the aggregate amount of cash payable by CME to GFI Stockholders who have made valid cash elections or no elections is greater than $89 million, CME has the option, in its sole discretion, to increase the maximum available cash component, subject to certain limitations. Since, regardless of the number of shares of GFI Common Stock for which cash elections or no elections have been made, the maximum aggregate amount of cash consideration to be paid in the GFI Merger is $89 million (or such other greater amount at CME's sole discretion in the event that the cash election is oversubscribed, subject to certain limitations), only a certain number of shares of GFI Common Stock can, without proration, be converted into the right to receive cash. As a result, if the aggregate amount of cash payable by CME to GFI Stockholders who have made valid cash elections or no elections is greater than $89 million and CME does not exercise its option to increase the maximum available cash component, or if CME does not exercise its option to increase the maximum available

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cash component to an amount equal to the aggregate amount payable to GFI Stockholders who have made valid cash elections or no elections, then:

        No fractional shares of CME Class A Common Stock will be issued in the GFI Merger. Instead, cash will be paid for any fractional shares of CME Class A Common Stock to which GFI Stockholders would otherwise be entitled to receive under the GFI Merger Agreement. In addition, in no event will the aggregate number of shares of CME Class A Common Stock issuable in the transactions contemplated by the GFI Merger Agreement and the JPI Merger Agreement exceed the Issuance Cap, in which case the GFI Merger Agreement may be terminated by GFI. Assuming the entire aggregate Merger Consideration is paid in shares of CME Class A Common Stock, the per share price of CME Class A Common Stock would have to fall below $10.03 for the Issuance Cap to impact the number of shares of CME Class A Common Stock issuable in the transactions contemplated by the GFI Merger Agreement and the JPI Merger Agreement. The closing price per share of CME Class A Common Stock on December 19, 2014 was $92.36. While the Exchange Ratio governing the exchange of GFI Common Stock for CME Class A Common Stock will be adjusted under certain circumstances, it will not be adjusted to reflect changes in the per share price of CME Class A Common Stock following the Effective Time.

        Because the market price of CME Class A Common Stock will fluctuate prior to the completion of the GFI Merger, the Exchange Ratio will also fluctuate prior to the completion of the GFI Merger, and the number of shares of CME Class A Common Stock that GFI Stockholders will receive in the GFI Merger will not be known as of the Special Meeting.

        CME Class A Common Stock is traded on NASDAQ under the trading symbol "CME." We urge you to obtain information on the market value of CME Class A Common Stock that is more recent than that provided in this proxy statement/prospectus. You should obtain current stock price quotations from a newspaper, the Internet or your broker. The market price of CME Class A Common Stock will likely be different on the date GFI Stockholders receive shares of CME Class A Common Stock than it was on the date the GFI Merger Agreement was signed, the date of this proxy statement/prospectus and the date of the Special Meeting.


Treatment of RSUs and Stock Options

        With respect to Continuing Employee RSUs, not later than five business days prior to the closing date of the GFI Merger, GFI will take all actions necessary to provide that each such RSU (a) shall cease, at the Effective Time, to represent an equity right with respect to shares of GFI Common Stock and (b) as directed by CME not less than ten business days prior to the closing date of the GFI Merger, will be converted at the Effective Time, without any action on the part of the holder of the Continuing Employee RSU, into either (i) a CME RSU that may be settled in CME's discretion in either cash or shares of CME Class A Common Stock, (ii) a deferred cash obligation or (iii) a mix thereof, in each case otherwise on substantially the same terms and conditions as were applicable under the Continuing Employee RSU (but taking into account any changes thereto, including any acceleration or vesting of a Continuing Employee RSU, provided for in the relevant GFI stock plan or in the related award document by reason of the GFI Merger). To the extent the Continuing Employee RSUs are converted into CME RSUs in accordance with the preceding sentence, the number of shares of

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CME Class A Common Stock subject to such CME RSU will be equal to the product of (i) the number of shares of GFI Common Stock subject to the Continuing Employee RSU multiplied by (ii) the Exchange Ratio, rounded down to the nearest whole share of CME Class A Common Stock.

        RSUs held by non-employee directors of GFI will vest in connection with the GFI Merger and, upon vesting, such accelerated RSUs will convert into shares of GFI Common Stock and non-employee directors of GFI will be entitled to receive the Merger Consideration.

        With respect to RSUs held by any persons other than a Continuing Employee or a non-employee director of GFI, not later than five business days prior to the closing date of the GFI Merger, GFI will take all actions necessary to provide that (a) each such RSU outstanding immediately before the Effective Time, will be converted into an obligation of IDB Buyer, (b) that CME and its affiliates shall not have any liability in respect of any such RSU and (c) consent is obtained from holders of such RSUs in addition to a release of any claims arising in connection with such RSU in favor of CME and its affiliates. Each such RSU shall be converted into either a deferred cash obligation or a deferred cash and restricted equity obligation, with the amount of the deferred cash or deferred cash and restricted equity subject to the award, as applicable, being determined based on the number of shares of GFI Common Stock subject to each RSU before the Effective Time and the Merger Consideration. Such deferred cash obligations shall be subject to substantially the same terms and conditions as were applicable under the RSU before the Effective Time, while the deferred cash and restricted equity obligations shall be entered into with IDB Employees who were senior executives of GFI prior to the Effective Time and negotiated on an individual-by-individual basis.

        Not later than five business days prior to the closing date of the GFI Merger, GFI will take all actions necessary to provide that each GFI Option will be canceled as of the completion of the GFI Merger for no consideration.


Recommendation of the Special Committee and the GFI Board; Reasons for the GFI Merger

        The GFI Board formed the Special Committee, comprised of three independent directors (Marisa Cassoni, Frank Fanzilli, Jr. and Richard Magee), for the purpose of investigating, evaluating and negotiating any strategic alternatives to, and, as appropriate, rejecting, or recommending to the GFI Board, the GFI Merger and the GFI Merger Agreement. On July 29, 2014, the Special Committee unanimously (i) determined that the GFI Merger Agreement and the GFI Merger are advisable, fair to and in the best interests of GFI and its stockholders, (ii) recommended that the GFI Board adopt and declare advisable the GFI Merger Agreement and the GFI Merger, (iii) directed that the GFI Merger Agreement be submitted to the GFI Board for its approval and recommendation to GFI Stockholders to adopt the GFI Merger Agreement and approve the GFI Merger and (iv) recommended that GFI Stockholders adopt the GFI Merger Agreement and approve the GFI Merger.

        On July 29, 2014, after considering such recommendation, the GFI Board (with Messrs. Gooch and Heffron abstaining) unanimously (i) determined that the GFI Merger Agreement and the GFI Merger are advisable, fair to and in the best interests of GFI and its stockholders, (ii) approved, adopted and declared advisable the GFI Merger Agreement and the GFI Merger and (iii) resolved to recommend the adoption of the GFI Merger Agreement and the approval of the GFI Merger to GFI Stockholders at the Special Meeting.

        On November 3, 2014, the Special Committee unanimously reaffirmed its recommendation in support of the GFI Merger Agreement, and, after careful consideration of the unanimous determination and recommendation of the Special Committee, the GFI Board (with Messrs. Gooch and Heffron abstaining) unanimously reaffirmed its recommendation in support of the GFI Merger Agreement.

        On December 1, 2014, the Special Committee unanimously determined to recommend that the GFI Board adopt and declare advisable the GFI Merger Agreement, as amended, and the GFI Merger, and, after careful consideration of the unanimous determination and recommendation of the Special Committee, the GFI Board (with Messrs. Gooch and Heffron abstaining) unanimously approved the

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GFI Merger Agreement, as amended, and determined to submit it to GFI Stockholders to vote upon its adoption and recommended GFI Stockholders to vote in favor of the GFI Merger Agreement, as amended.

        Accordingly, the GFI Board (other than Messrs. Gooch and Heffron, who abstained from the votes of the GFI Board) unanimously recommends that you vote "FOR" the GFI Merger Proposal. Messrs. Gooch and Heffron chose to abstain from the votes of the GFI Board on July 29, 2014, November 3, 2014 and December 1, 2014 because of their interests in the GFI Merger and the related transactions. Thus, the members of the GFI Board casting votes to approve the GFI Merger Agreement were also the members of the Special Committee.

        Both the Special Committee and the GFI Board believe, based on their consideration of the factors relating to the substantive and procedural fairness described below, that the terms of the GFI Merger Agreement and the GFI Merger are advisable, fair to and in the best interests of, GFI Disinterested Stockholders. GFI's purpose and reasons for undertaking the GFI Merger at this time are to enable GFI Stockholders to realize the value of their investment in GFI at a favorable price.


The Special Committee—Considerations of the Special Committee in Determining to Approve the GFI Merger Agreement and the GFI Merger on July 29, 2014

        In evaluating the fairness and advisability of the GFI Merger Agreement, the Special Committee considered information with respect to GFI's financial condition, results of operations, businesses, competitive position and business strategy, on both a historical and prospective basis, as well as current industry, economic and market conditions and trends. The Special Committee considered the following factors, each of which the Special Committee believes supports its determination as to fairness:

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        In addition to the foregoing factors, which the Special Committee considered as being generally positive or favorable in making its determination and recommendations in favor of the GFI Merger, the Special Committee also considered that its determination and recommendations were supported by its belief that there were limited strategic alternatives for enhancing value for GFI Stockholders, especially in light of JPI's statement that it would not consider selling its stake in GFI or vote in favor of any such alternative transaction, as well as the risks and uncertainties to GFI Stockholders associated with such alternatives.

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        In evaluating the fairness and advisability of the GFI Merger Agreement, the Special Committee also considered, among other factors, the following, each of which the Special Committee viewed as being generally negative or unfavorable:

        The Special Committee also considered a number of factors that are discussed below relating to the procedural safeguards that it believes were and are present to ensure the fairness of the GFI Merger. The Special Committee believes these factors support its determinations and recommendations and provide assurance of the procedural fairness of the GFI Merger to GFI Disinterested Stockholders:

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        While the Special Committee considered potentially positive and negative factors, it concluded that, overall, the potentially positive factors outweighed the potentially negative factors, and at a meeting held on July 29, 2014, the Special Committee unanimously:


The Special Committee—Reasons for Continued Recommendation

        After careful consideration, including a thorough review of the terms and conditions of the BGC Offer with Greenhill and White & Case, the Special Committee, at a meeting held on November 3, 2014, unanimously recommended that the GFI Board recommend that GFI Stockholders reject the BGC Offer. The Special Committee believes that the BGC Offer is conditional, that the conditions to BGC Purchaser's obligation to consummate the BGC Offer create risks as to whether the BGC Offer can be completed and the timing for completion, and that the Special Committee is not in a position to determine if the conditions to the BGC Offer are capable of being, or will be, satisfied. Uncertainty as to the likelihood of consummation of the BGC Offer is of particular concern because if the GFI Merger Agreement was terminated and the BGC Offer was not consummated, it is possible that neither CME nor any other third party would be interested in acquiring GFI (in which case the trading prices of the shares of GFI Common Stock on the NYSE could return to levels before the announcement of the GFI Merger Agreement or lower) or, if interested, would be willing to pay consideration that is equivalent to or greater than the consideration GFI Stockholders would receive in the GFI Merger.

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        In reaching its determination to reaffirm its recommendation in support of the GFI Merger and to recommend that the GFI Board recommend that GFI Stockholders reject the BGC Offer, the Special Committee, in consultation with Greenhill and White & Case, also considered numerous factors, including the following:

        After careful consideration, including a thorough review of the terms and conditions of the BGC Offer with Greenhill and White & Case, the Special Committee, at a meeting held on December 1, 2014, unanimously recommended that the terms of the GFI Merger Agreement, as amended, are advisable, fair to, and in the best interests of GFI and GFI Stockholders and recommended the GFI Board to approve the GFI Merger Agreement as amended by the amendment to the GFI Merger Agreement.

        In reaching its determination, the Special Committee, in consultation with Greenhill and White & Case, considered numerous factors, including the following:


GFI Board of Directors

        The GFI Board consists of a majority of directors who have no direct or indirect interest in the GFI Merger different from the interests of GFI Stockholders generally. On July 29, 2014, the Special Committee, by unanimous vote, determined to recommend that the GFI Board adopt and declare advisable the GFI Merger Agreement and the GFI Merger. At a meeting that immediately followed the Special Committee meeting, the GFI Board (with Messrs. Gooch and Heffron abstaining) approved the GFI Merger Agreement and determined to submit it to GFI Stockholders to vote upon its adoption and recommended GFI Stockholders to vote in favor of the GFI Merger Agreement. On November 3, 2014, the Special Committee unanimously reaffirmed its recommendation in support of the GFI Merger Agreement, and, after careful consideration of the unanimous determination and recommendation of the Special Committee, the GFI Board (with Messrs. Gooch and Heffron abstaining) unanimously reaffirmed its recommendation in support of the GFI Merger Agreement. On December 1, 2014, the Special Committee unanimously determined to recommend that the GFI Board adopt and declare advisable the GFI Merger Agreement, as amended, and the GFI Merger, and, after careful consideration of the unanimous determination and recommendation of the Special Committee, the GFI Board (with Messrs. Gooch and Heffron abstaining) unanimously approved the GFI Merger Agreement, as amended, and determined to submit it to GFI Stockholders to vote upon its adoption and recommended GFI Stockholders to vote in favor of the GFI Merger Agreement, as amended.

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        Messrs. Gooch and Heffron chose to abstain from the votes of the GFI Board on July 29, 2014, November 3, 2014 and December 1, 2014 due to their interests in the GFI Merger and the related transactions. Thus, the members of the GFI Board casting votes to approve the GFI Merger Agreement were also the members of the Special Committee. See the section entitled "—Background of the GFI Merger" beginning on page [      ] of this proxy statement/prospectus for additional information on the GFI Board's recommendations.

        In particular, the GFI Board considered and adopted:

        This foregoing discussion of the information and factors considered by the Special Committee and the GFI Board in reaching its conclusions and recommendation includes all of the material factors considered by the Special Committee and the GFI Board, but is not intended to be exhaustive. In view of the number of factors the Special Committee and the GFI Board considered in evaluating the GFI Merger Agreement and the GFI Merger, and the complexity of these matters, the Special Committee and the GFI Board did not find it practicable, and did not attempt, to quantify, prioritize or otherwise assign relative weight to the factors. The judgments of individual directors may have been influenced to a greater or lesser degree by their individual views with respect to different factors.

        Other than as described in this proxy statement/prospectus, the Special Committee and the GFI Board are not aware of any firm offer by any other person for a merger or consolidation of GFI with another company, the sale or transfer of all or substantially all of GFI's assets or a purchase of GFI's securities that would enable such person to exercise control of GFI, particularly in light of the ongoing decline in certain of GFI's businesses and more recent adverse developments in certain businesses including increased competition and regulatory risk.

        ACCORDINGLY, ACTING UPON THE UNANIMOUS DETERMINATION OF THE SPECIAL COMMITTEE, THE GFI BOARD (OTHER THAN MESSRS. GOOCH AND HEFFRON, WHO ABSTAINED FROM THE VOTES OF THE GFI BOARD, WHICH RESULTED IN THE REMAINING MEMBERS OF THE GFI BOARD BEING COMPRISED SOLELY OF THE MEMBERS OF THE SPECIAL COMMITTEE) UNANIMOUSLY RECOMMENDS THAT GFI STOCKHOLDERS VOTE "FOR" THE GFI MERGER PROPOSAL, "FOR" THE "GOLDEN PARACHUTE" COMPENSATION PROPOSAL AND "FOR" THE ADJOURNMENT PROPOSAL.


Opinion of Special Committee's Financial Advisor

        On December 1, 2014, at a meeting of the Special Committee, Greenhill delivered to the Special Committee its oral opinion, which was subsequently confirmed by delivery of a written opinion dated December 1, 2014, that, as of such date and based upon the procedures followed and subject to assumptions made, matters considered and limitations on the scope of review undertaken by Greenhill as set forth in its written opinion, the Merger Consideration to be received by the holders of shares of GFI Common Stock (other than the JPI Holders) in the GFI Merger was fair, from a financial point of view, to such holders.

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        The full text of Greenhill's written opinion, dated December 1, 2014, which sets forth, among other things, the assumptions made, procedures followed, matters considered and limits on the opinion and the review undertaken in connection with rendering the opinion, is attached as Annex F to this proxy statement/prospectus and is incorporated herein by reference. The opinion was addressed to the Special Committee and addresses only the fairness, from a financial point of view, of the Merger Consideration to be received by the holders of shares of GFI Common Stock (other than the JPI Holders) in the GFI Merger to such holders. The opinion does not express a view as to any other aspect of the GFI Merger or the other transactions contemplated by the GFI Merger Agreement and does not constitute a recommendation to the Special Committee, the GFI Board or to any other person in respect of the GFI Merger, including as to how any holder of shares of GFI Common Stock should vote or act with respect to the approval of the GFI Merger or any other matter. The opinion replaces and supersedes Greenhill's opinion dated July 29, 2014 in all respects. The summary of Greenhill's opinion that is set forth below is qualified in its entirety by reference to the full text of the opinion. GFI Stockholders are urged to read the opinion in its entirety.

        In connection with rendering its opinion, Greenhill, among other things:

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        In giving its opinion, Greenhill assumed and relied upon, without independent verification, the accuracy and completeness of the information publicly available, supplied or otherwise made available to it by representatives and management of GFI and CME for the purposes of its opinion. Greenhill further relied upon the assurances of the representatives and management of GFI and CME, as applicable, that they were not aware of any facts or circumstances that would make such information inaccurate or misleading. With respect to the financial forecasts and projections and other data that were furnished or otherwise provided to it, Greenhill assumed that such financial forecasts, projections and other data were reasonably prepared on a basis reflecting the best currently available estimates and good faith judgments of the management of GFI as to those matters, and Greenhill relied upon such financial forecasts, projections and other data in arriving at its opinion. Greenhill expressed no opinion with respect to such financial forecasts, projections and other data or the assumptions upon which they were based. Greenhill did not make any independent valuation or appraisal of the assets or liabilities of GFI, nor was Greenhill furnished with any such appraisals. Greenhill assumed that the GFI Merger, the GFI Pre-Closing Reorganization, the JPI Merger, the IDB Transaction and the other transactions contemplated by the GFI Merger Agreement will be consummated in accordance with the terms set forth in the GFI Merger Agreement, which Greenhill further assumed will be identical in all material respects to the original GFI Merger Agreement as amended by the Draft GFI Merger Agreement Amendment that Greenhill reviewed, and without waiver of any material terms or conditions set forth in the GFI Merger Agreement. Greenhill further assumed that all material governmental, regulatory and other consents and approvals necessary for the consummation of the GFI Merger will be obtained without any effect on GFI, CME, the GFI Merger or the contemplated benefits of the GFI Merger meaningful to Greenhill's analysis. Greenhill's opinion was necessarily based on financial, economic, market and other conditions as in effect on, and the information made available to it as of, December 1, 2014. It should be understood that subsequent developments may affect Greenhill's opinion, and Greenhill does not have any obligation to update, revise, or reaffirm its opinion.

        Greenhill acted as financial advisor to the Special Committee in connection with the GFI Merger and will receive fees of $4,250,000 for services rendered in connection with the GFI Merger (including rendering its opinion), $2,750,000 of which is contingent on the consummation of the GFI Merger. In addition, GFI has agreed to indemnify Greenhill for certain liabilities arising out of its engagement. During the two years preceding the date of its opinion Greenhill had not been engaged by or received any compensation from GFI, CME, any other parties to the GFI Merger or JPI (other than any amounts that were paid to Greenhill under the letter agreement pursuant to which Greenhill was retained as a financial advisor to the Special Committee in connection with the GFI Merger).

        Greenhill's opinion was for the information of the Special Committee and was rendered to the Special Committee in connection with their consideration of the GFI Merger and should not be used for any other purpose without Greenhill's prior written consent. Greenhill did not express an opinion as to any aspect of the GFI Merger other than the fairness, from a financial point of view, of the Merger Consideration to be received by the holders of GFI Common Stock (other than the JPI Holders) in the GFI Merger to such holders, or the other transactions contemplated by the GFI Merger Agreement. In particular, Greenhill expressed no opinion as to the prices at which CME Class A Common Stock will trade at any future time. Greenhill expressed no opinion with respect to the amount or nature of any

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compensation to any officers, directors or employees of GFI, or any class of such persons relative to the Merger Consideration to be received by the holders of GFI Common Stock (other than the JPI Holders) in the GFI Merger or with respect to the fairness of any such compensation. Greenhill's opinion was approved by its fairness committee. Greenhill's opinion was not intended to be and did not constitute a recommendation to the members of the Special Committee or the Board of Directors of GFI as to whether they should recommend or approve the GFI Merger or the GFI Merger Agreement, nor did it constitute a recommendation as to whether GFI Stockholders should approve the GFI Merger at the Special Meeting.


Summary of Greenhill's Financial Analyses

        The following is a summary of the material financial analyses provided by Greenhill to the Special Committee in connection with rendering its opinion described above. The summary set forth below does not purport to be a complete description of the analyses performed by Greenhill, nor does the order of analyses as set forth below represent the relative importance or weight given to those analyses by Greenhill. All methodologies must be viewed in context as no single valuation methodology provides a complete picture. Some of the summaries of the financial analyses include information presented in tabular format. The tables must be read together with the full text of each summary and are not alone a complete description of Greenhill's financial analyses.


Sum of the Parts Analysis

        Greenhill performed a sum of the parts analysis of GFI based on the hypothetical standalone trading valuations for the IDB Business and Trayport and FENICS, which are collectively referred to as GFI's Technology Businesses in this proxy statement/prospectus.

        In performing this analysis, Greenhill reviewed and compared various financial multiples, ratios and operating and trading statistics of GFI, the IDB Business and GFI's Technology Businesses to corresponding financial multiples, ratios and operating and trading statistics for publicly traded companies selected by Greenhill. The companies selected by Greenhill comprised four institutional broker companies (namely, ICAP plc, BGC Partners, Inc., Tullett Prebon plc and Compagnie Financiere Tradition SA) and four technology companies (namely, MarketAxess Holdings Inc., Advent Software, Inc., Fidessa Group plc and First Derivatives plc).

        Although none of the selected companies is directly comparable to GFI, Greenhill chose these companies because they had publicly traded equity securities and were deemed to be similar to either the IDB Business or GFI's Technology Business in one or more respects, including the nature of their business, size, diversification, financial performance and geographic concentration. However, because of the inherent differences between the business, operations and prospects of GFI and those of the selected companies, Greenhill believes that it is inappropriate to, and therefore did not, rely solely on the numerical results of the sum of the parts analysis. Accordingly, Greenhill also made qualitative judgments concerning differences between the business, financial and operating characteristics and prospects of GFI and the selected companies that could affect the public trading values of each in order to provide a context in which to consider the results of the quantitative analysis. These qualitative judgments related primarily to the differing sizes, growth prospects, revenue mix, profitability levels and degree of operational risk between GFI and the companies included in the selected company analysis. Greenhill also made judgments as to the relative comparability of the various financial multiples, ratios and operating and trading statistics with respect to those companies.

        For each of the selected companies, Greenhill calculated and reviewed, among other information, the ratio of enterprise value to estimated EBITDA for calendar year 2014 (or reported 2013 results, where 2014 forward estimates were not available). For purposes of this calculation, Greenhill utilized an enterprise value for each company derived by the sum of: (1) the product of the number of basic

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shares outstanding of that company as reported in its most recent public filings and GFI's closing share price on November 28, 2014; and (2) the applicable company's outstanding net debt as reported in its most recent public filings. Estimated EBITDA for calendar year 2014 was based on publicly available consensus estimates (or reported 2013 results, where 2014 forward estimates were not available). The following table summarizes the mean and median enterprise value to estimated EBITDA multiples for the selected companies reviewed by Greenhill:

Mean / Median
  EV / EBITDA (2014E)

IDB Mean

  7.9x

IDB Median

  7.7x

Technology Mean

  15.9x

Technology Median

  15.6x

Overall Mean

  11.9x

Overall Median

  11.8x

        Based upon Greenhill's judgment and experience, Greenhill then selected two reference ranges of multiples of enterprise values to estimated 2014 EBITDA, one for the IDB Business and one for GFI's Technology Businesses. In determining its reference ranges of multiples for the IDB Business, Greenhill viewed Tullett Prebon plc as the most similar company to the IDB Business and therefore chose a range more weighted toward its observed enterprise value to estimated EBITDA multiple. For GFI's Technology Businesses, Greenhill's reference range more closely aligned with the simple mean and median of the selected companies. EBITDA was calculated as (1) pre-tax operating income in the Updated Management Projections plus (2) depreciation plus (3) amortization of sign-on bonuses less (4) cash sign-on bonuses issued. Cash sign-on bonuses, and the associated amortization of such bonuses, were negligible for GFI's Technology Businesses and accordingly neither component is relevant to the calculation of the EBITDA for GFI's Technology Businesses. Greenhill then calculated ranges of implied enterprise values for the IDB Business and for GFI's Technology Businesses by applying the applicable reference range to GFI's projected EBITDA for 2014 included in the Updated Management Projections for the applicable business. In performing these calculations, Greenhill converted Trayport's EBITDA for 2014 included in the Updated Management Projections from pounds sterling into U.S. dollars at an exchange ratio of 1.5767 as of November 28, 2014. Greenhill calculated a range of implied per share prices for GFI Common Stock by dividing: (1) the sum of the ranges of implied enterprise values for each line of business, less (i) GFI's net debt amount (calculated as $240 million of long-term borrowings, plus an after-tax make whole fee payable on GFI's debt of $34.1 million payable upon a breakup of GFI, less excess cash of $35.3 million as contemplated by the GFI Merger Agreement, assuming a closing date for the GFI Merger of January 31, 2015) and (ii) GFI's RSU liability (calculated as 14.6 million RSUs outstanding as of September 30, 2014 multiplied by the per share price of GFI Common Stock implied by the analysis); by (2) the basic number of shares of GFI Common Stock outstanding as of October 31, 2014. In performing this analysis, Greenhill assumed a tax-free separation of GFI's lines of business.

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        The following table reflects the reference ranges of multiples and implied valuations calculated by Greenhill in performing this analysis:

 
   
  Multiple   Value  
 
  2014E
EBITDA
 
($ in millions, except per share values)
  Low    
  High   Low    
  High  

IDB (Gross of RSU liability)(1)

  $ 36.0     4.5x         5.5x   $ 161.8       $ 197.8  

Trayport & FENICS

    53.4     12.5x         14.0x     667.8         748.0  
                               

Implied Enterprise Value

  $ 89.4     9.3x         10.6x   $ 829.6       $ 945.7  

Less: Net Debt and Make Whole

                            (238.8 )       (238.8 )

Less: RSU Liability

                            (60.5 )       (72.5 )

Implied Equity Value

                          $ 530.3       $ 634.5  
                                       

Basic Shares Outstanding

                            127.5         127.5  

Implied Share Price

                          $ 4.16       $ 4.98  

(1)
EBITDA was calculated as (1) pre-tax operating income in the Updated Management Projections plus (2) depreciation plus (3) amortization of sign-on bonuses less (4) cash sign-on bonuses issued.

        This analysis resulted in a range of implied per share prices for GFI Common Stock of $4.16 to $4.98. Greenhill compared this range to (i) GFI's closing stock price on July 29, 2014, the day before the announcement of the original GFI Merger Agreement, of $3.11 per share, (ii) GFI's closing stock price on November 28, 2014 of $4.98 per share, (iii) the $4.55 per share value of the Merger Consideration provided for in the original GFI Merger Agreement and (iv) the $5.25 per share value of the Merger Consideration to be received in the GFI Merger. Greenhill noted, for illustrative purposes only and not as part of its fairness determination, that the range of implied per share prices for GFI Common Stock resulting from this analysis would increase to $4.63 to $5.56 per share if $15 million of cost savings reflected in the final Credit Case Projections were included in the projected EBITDA for 2014 for the IDB Business.


Comparable Company Trading Valuation Analysis

        Greenhill performed a comparable company trading valuation analysis of GFI. In performing this analysis, Greenhill reviewed and compared various financial multiples, ratios and operating and trading statistics for GFI, the IDB Business and GFI's Technology Businesses to corresponding financial multiples, ratios and operating and trading statistics for the publicly traded companies described above.

        Although none of the selected companies is directly comparable to GFI, Greenhill chose these companies because they had publicly traded equity securities and were deemed to be similar to GFI in one or more respects, including the nature of their business, size, diversification, financial performance and geographic concentration. However, because of the inherent differences between the business, operations and prospects of GFI and those of the selected companies, Greenhill believes that it is inappropriate to, and therefore did not, rely solely on the numerical results of the comparable company trading valuation analysis. Accordingly, Greenhill also made qualitative judgments concerning differences between the business, financial and operating characteristics and prospects of GFI and the selected companies that could affect the public trading values of each in order to provide a context in which to consider the results of the quantitative analysis. These qualitative judgments related primarily to the differing sizes, growth prospects, revenue mix, profitability levels and degree of operational risk between GFI and the companies included in the selected company analysis. Greenhill also made judgments as to the relative comparability of the various financial multiples, ratios and operating and trading statistics with respect to those companies.

        For each of the selected companies, Greenhill calculated and reviewed, among other information, the multiples described above under the sum of the parts analysis.

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        Based upon Greenhill's judgment and experience, Greenhill then selected a reference range of multiples of enterprise values to estimated 2014 EBITDA for GFI. In determining its reference ranges of multiples for GFI as a whole (inclusive of the IDB Business and GFI's Technology Businesses), Greenhill viewed ICAP plc as the most similar company and therefore chose a range more weighted toward its observed enterprise value to estimated EBITDA multiple. Greenhill then calculated a range of implied enterprise values for GFI by applying the reference range to GFI's projected EBITDA for 2014 included in the Updated Management Projections. In calculating this range of implied enterprise values, Greenhill converted Trayport's EBITDA for 2014 included in the Updated Management Projections from pounds sterling into U.S. dollars at an exchange ratio of 1.5767 as of November 28, 2014. Greenhill then used this range of implied enterprise values, and subtracted GFI's net debt amount as disclosed in public filings (calculated as $10 million of short-term borrowings, plus $240 million of long-term borrowings, less $166 million of cash and cash equivalents) and the liability of RSUs (calculated as 14.6 million RSUs outstanding as of September 30, 2014 multiplied by the per share price of GFI Common Stock implied by the analysis), to calculate implied equity value, which was divided by the basic number of shares of GFI Common Stock outstanding as of October 31, 2014 to calculate a range of implied per share prices for GFI Common Stock.

        The following table reflects the reference range of multiples and implied valuations calculated by Greenhill in performing this analysis:

 
   
  Multiple   Value  
 
  2014E
EBITDA
 
($ in millions, except per share values)
  Low    
  High   Low    
  High  

  $ 89.4     6.5x         7.5x   $ 581.0       $ 670.4  
                               

Implied Enterprise Value

                          $ 581.0       $ 670.4  

Less: Net Debt

                            (84.2 )       (84.2 )

Less: RSU Liability

                            (50.9 )       (60.1 )
                                       

Implied Equity Value

                          $ 446.0       $ 526.2  

Basic Shares Outstanding

                            127.5         127.5  

Implied Share Price

                          $ 3.50       $ 4.13  

        This analysis resulted in a range of implied per share prices for GFI Common Stock of $3.50 to $4.13. Greenhill compared this range to (i) GFI's closing stock price on July 29, 2014, the day before the announcement of the original GFI Merger Agreement, of $3.11 per share, (ii) GFI's closing stock price on November 28, 2014 of $4.98 per share, (iii) the $4.55 per share value of the Merger Consideration provided for in the original GFI Merger Agreement and (iv) the $5.25 per share value of the Merger Consideration to be received in the GFI Merger. Greenhill noted, for illustrative purposes only and not as part of its fairness determination, that the range of implied per share prices for GFI Common Stock resulting from this analysis would increase to $4.18 to $4.92 per share if $15 million of cost savings reflected in the final Credit Case Projections were included in the projected EBITDA for 2014 for the IDB Business.


Discounted Cash Flow Analysis

        In performing its valuation analyses, Greenhill observed, upon consultation with GFI's management, that there are a number of characteristics that made it difficult for management to produce financial projections that have a high degree of reliability and accuracy for the IDB Business. Among other things, as confirmed through discussions with GFI's management, revenues of the IDB Business are in large part tied to trading volumes in the markets for various asset classes which are inherently difficult to forecast due to the impact of various exogenous factors, such as market sentiment, volatility, performance of market players and regulatory changes, on trading volumes. Recent regulatory changes have introduced additional uncertainty into the current operating environment for institutional broker-dealers. Greenhill also noted that budgets prepared by management over the past

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several years for the IDB Business differed meaningfully from actual performance of the business. In light of the above, Greenhill viewed the discounted cash flow analysis for the IDB Business as relatively less meaningful than the other valuation methodologies.

        Greenhill performed a discounted cash flow analysis of GFI that was comprised of separate calculations for the IDB Business and for GFI's Technology Businesses. With respect to the IDB Business, Greenhill performed two discounted cash flow analyses, one using the Updated Management Projections and another using the final Credit Case Projections.

        IDB Standalone Scenario.    Greenhill performed a discounted cash flow analysis of the IDB Business using the Updated Management Projections for the calendar years 2015 through 2018. Greenhill calculated a range of implied present values of the unlevered, after-tax free cash flows that the IDB Business was projected to generate under the Updated Management Projections from January 1, 2015 through December 31, 2018 using discount rates ranging from 11.7% to 12.7%, reflecting an estimate of the IDB Business's weighted average cost of capital, which is referred to as WACC in this proxy statement/prospectus. Greenhill calculated the WACC based on assumptions regarding the equity risk premium, levered beta, risk free rate, capital structure, cost of debt, tax rate and size-based risk premium. Greenhill also calculated a range of terminal values for the IDB Business using terminal multiples ranging from 4.5x to 5.5x of estimated EBITDA for the IDB Business for calendar year 2018 from the Updated Management Projections. The amortization, over the forecast period, of the RSU liability included in the Updated Management Projections have been incorporated into Greenhill's DCF analysis, in both the IDB Standalone and IDB Credit Scenarios (described below). The estimated range of terminal values was then discounted to present value as of January 1, 2015, using discount rates ranging between 11.7% to 12.7%. Greenhill then added the range of net present values of the standalone, unlevered, after-tax free cash flows for calendar years 2015 through 2018 to the range of present values of the terminal value to derive a range of implied enterprise values, net of the RSU liability, for the IDB Business of $254 million to $299 million.

        IDB Credit Scenario.    Greenhill also performed a discounted cash flow analysis of the IDB Business using the final Credit Case Projections for the calendar years 2015 through 2018. Greenhill calculated a range of implied present values of the unlevered, after-tax free cash flows that the IDB Business was projected to generate under the final Credit Case Projections from January 1, 2015 through December 31, 2018 using discount rates ranging from 11.7% to 12.7%, reflecting an estimate of the IDB Business's WACC. Greenhill calculated the WACC in the same manner, and applied the same range of terminal multiples, as it had under the IDB Standalone Scenario (described above). The estimated range of terminal values was then discounted to present value as of January 1, 2015, using discount rates ranging between 11.7% to 12.7%. Greenhill then added the range of net present values of the standalone, unlevered, after-tax free cash flows for calendar years 2015 through 2018 to the range of present values of the terminal value to derive a range of implied enterprise values, net of the RSU liability, for the IDB Business of $323 million to $385 million.

        Trayport and FENICS.    Greenhill performed a discounted cash flow analysis of GFI's Technology Businesses using the Updated Management Projections for calendar years 2015 through 2018. In performing this analysis, Greenhill converted GFI management's projections for Trayport included in the Updated Management Projections from pounds sterling into U.S. dollars at an exchange ratio of 1.5767 as of November 28, 2014. Greenhill calculated a range of implied present values of the standalone, unlevered, after-tax free cash flows that Trayport and FENICS were forecasted to generate under the Updated Management Projections from January 1, 2015 through December 31, 2018 using discount rates ranging from 12.2% to 13.2%, reflecting an estimate of the WACC of GFI's Technology Businesses. Greenhill calculated the WACC in the same manner as for the IDB Standalone and IDB Credit Scenarios (described above), except that Greenhill utilized a different levered beta to reflect the different characteristics of GFI's Technology Businesses and a different tax rate to reflect the different

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geographic focus of GFI's Technology Businesses. Greenhill also calculated a range of terminal values for GFI's Technology Businesses using terminal multiples ranging from 8.5x to 9.5x of estimated EBITDA for GFI's Technology Businesses for calendar year 2018 under the Updated Management Projections. The estimated range of terminal values was then discounted to present value as of January 1, 2015, using discount rates ranging between 12.2% to 13.2%. Greenhill then added the range of net present values of the standalone, unlevered, after-tax free cash flows for calendar years 2015 through 2018 to the range of present values of the terminal value to derive a range of implied enterprise values for GFI's Technology Businesses of $565 million to $634 million.

        Implied Share Prices.    Greenhill then added the ranges of implied enterprise values resulting from these discounted cash flow analyses to produce a range of implied enterprise values for GFI, subtracted the aggregate amount of GFI's net debt and the make whole payment to produce a range of implied equity values for GFI, and then divided the range of implied equity values by the number of basic outstanding shares of GFI Common Stock as of October 31, 2014 to produce ranges of implied per share prices of GFI Common Stock.

        The range of implied per share prices of GFI Common Stock resulting from the discounted cash flow analysis that utilized the Updated Management Projections for the IDB Business and the Updated Management Projections for GFI's Technology Businesses was $4.55 to $5.44 per share. The range of the implied per share prices of GFI Common Stock resulting from the discounted cash flow analysis that utilized the final Credit Case Projections for the IDB Business and the Updated Management Projections for GFI's Technology Businesses was $5.09 to $6.12 per share. Greenhill compared these ranges to (i) GFI's closing stock price on July 29, 2014, the day before the announcement of the original GFI Merger Agreement, of $3.11 per share, (ii) GFI's closing stock price on November 28, 2014 of $4.98 per share, (iii) the $4.55 per share value of the Merger Consideration provided for in the original GFI Merger Agreement and (iv) the $5.25 per share value of the Merger Consideration to be received in the GFI Merger.


Precedent Transaction Analysis

        Greenhill performed an analysis of selected change of control transactions in the trading and market technology and institutional broker sectors since January 1, 2003 that Greenhill, based on its judgment and experience, deemed appropriate for purposes of this analysis, including the similarity of the target to GFI in one or more respects, such as the nature of their business, size, diversification, financial performance and geographic concentration. This analysis was based on publicly available information and third party databases.

        None of these transactions or associated companies is identical to the GFI Merger or GFI. Accordingly, Greenhill's analysis of the precedent transactions necessarily involved complex considerations and judgments concerning the differences in financial and operating characteristics, the parties involved, the terms of the transactions and other factors that would necessarily affect the implied value of GFI versus the values of the companies in the precedent transactions. In evaluating the precedent transactions, Greenhill made judgments and assumptions concerning industry performance, general business, economic, market and financial conditions and other matters. Greenhill also made judgments as to the relative comparability of those companies to GFI and judgments as to the relative comparability of the various valuation parameters with respect to the companies.

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        Selected Trading and Market Technology Transactions.    The following table identifies the eight technology company transactions reviewed by Greenhill in this analysis:

Announced Date
  Target   Acquiror
April 2013   eSpeed   NASDAQ OMX
July 2012   FX Alliance   Thomson Reuters
December 2011   ORC Group   Nordic Capital
April 2011   TradeStation   Monex
May 2010   Interactive Data   Silver Lake, Warburg Pincus
August 2009   NYFIX   NYSE Euronext
August 2008   GL Trade   SunGard
June 2008   Creditex   IntercontinentalExchange

        Using publicly available information for these transactions, Greenhill reviewed the consideration paid in each transaction and analyzed the enterprise value implied by such consideration as a multiple of the target company's (i) last twelve months, which is referred to as LTM in this proxy statement/prospectus, revenue and (ii) LTM EBITDA. Greenhill also reviewed the ratio of the consideration paid in each transaction to the target company's LTM earnings. The following table summarizes the median and mean multiples for the precedent technology company transactions reviewed by Greenhill:

Valuation Multiple
  Median   Mean  

Enterprise Value to LTM Revenue

    2.8x     3.4x  

Enterprise Value to LTM EBITDA

    11.1x     12.2x  

Price to LTM Earnings

    25.6x     26.6x  

        Based upon Greenhill's judgment and experience, Greenhill selected a reference range of 11.0x to 13.0x LTM EBITDA, and applied it to GFI's reported EBITDA for GFI's Technology Businesses for calendar year 2013 in order to calculate a range of implied enterprise values for GFI's Technology Businesses of $521.8 million to $616.6 million.

        Institutional Broker Company Transactions.    The following table identifies the five institutional broker transactions reviewed by Greenhill in this analysis:

Announced Date
  Target   Acquiror
May 2014   PVM Oil Associates   Tullett Prebon
December 2012   Knight Capital   GETCO Holding
February 2011   LaBranche   Cowen
April 2005   Maxcor Financial Group   BGC Partners
January 2003   BrokerTec Global   ICAP

        Using publicly available information for these transactions, Greenhill reviewed the consideration paid in each transaction and analyzed the enterprise value implied by such consideration as a multiple of the target company's LTM revenue. Greenhill also reviewed the ratio of the consideration paid in each transaction to (i) the tangible book value, which is referred to as TBV in this proxy statement/prospectus, of the target company as of the end of the last fiscal quarter ended before the announcement of the transaction and (ii) the LTM earnings of the target company. The following table summarizes the median and mean multiples for the precedent institutional broker transactions reviewed by Greenhill:

Valuation Multiple
  Median   Mean  

Enterprise Value to LTM Revenue

    1.9x     1.7x  

Price to TBV

    1.44x     1.39x  

Price to LTM Earnings

    19.4x     19.3x  

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        In evaluating precedent transactions for institutional brokers, Greenhill considered that of the three valuation multiple approaches highlighted above, institutional brokers are most commonly evaluated on Price to Earnings and Price to TBV bases. Since the IDB Business is currently marginally profitable, Greenhill concluded that the Price to Earnings multiple does not yield a meaningful result and, as a consequence, Greenhill focused on the Price to TBV multiple. Based upon Greenhill's judgment and experience, Greenhill selected a reference range of 0.9x to 1.8x TBV, and applied it to the tangible book value of the IDB Business being sold to IDB Buyer as of September 30, 2014 as estimated by GFI management in order to calculate a range of implied enterprise values, gross of the RSU liability (calculated as 14.6 million RSUs outstanding as of September 30, 2014 multiplied by the per share price of GFI Common Stock implied by the analysis), for the IDB Business of $193.5 million to $387.0 million.

        Implied Share Prices.    Greenhill then added the ranges of implied enterprise values for GFI's Technology Businesses and the IDB Business described above, subtracted net debt (calculated as $240 million of long-term borrowings plus the after-tax make whole payment on GFI's debt of $34.1 million, less excess cash of $35 million as contemplated by the GFI Merger Agreement, assuming that the GFI Merger will close on January 31, 2015) and subtracted liability of RSUs (calculated as 14.6 million RSUs outstanding as of September 30, 2014 multiplied by the implied share price resulting from the precedent transactions analysis) in order to calculate a range of implied equity values for GFI of $427.7 million to $686.5 million. Greenhill then divided this range of implied equity values by the basic number of shares of GFI Common Stock outstanding as of October 31, 2014 to calculate a range of implied per share prices for GFI's Common Stock of between $3.35 and $5.38. Greenhill compared this range of implied per share prices to (i) GFI's closing stock price on July 29, 2014, the day before the announcement of the original GFI Merger Agreement, of $3.11 per share, (ii) GFI's closing stock price on November 28, 2014 of $4.98 per share, (iii) the $4.55 per share value of the Merger Consideration provided for in the original GFI Merger Agreement and (iv) the $5.25 per share value of the Merger Consideration to be received in the GFI Merger.


Premiums Paid Analysis

        Greenhill performed an analysis of the premiums paid in the 447 change of control transactions, which are referred to as Premiums Paid Transactions in this proxy statement/prospectus, announced during the last five years involving U.S. targets with a transaction value between $250 million and $1 billion.

        Greenhill noted that the reasons for, and circumstances surrounding, each of the transactions reviewed were diverse and that the premiums fluctuated based on such factors as perceived growth, synergies, strategic value and type of consideration utilized in the acquisition transactions. None of the target companies in these transactions is identical to GFI and, accordingly, Greenhill's analysis of these transactions necessarily involved complex considerations and judgments concerning the differences in financial and operating characteristics and other factors that would necessarily affect the comparison of the premiums paid.

        Using publicly available information, including company filings and third-party transaction databases, Greenhill reviewed the consideration paid in the Premiums Paid Transactions and analyzed the premium in each such transaction over the closing price of the target on the last trading day prior to announcement, the last trading day one week prior to announcement and the last trading day one month prior to announcement.

        With respect to the 71 Premiums Paid Transactions that involved the acquisition of a financial services company, Greenhill observed that the average premium over the closing price of the target one day prior to the announcement was 14.4%, the average premium over the closing price of the target one week prior to the announcement was 12.2% and the average premium over the closing price of the target one month prior to the announcement was 13.9%.

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        With respect to the 97 Premiums Paid Transactions that involved the acquisition of a technology company, Greenhill observed that the average premium over the closing price of the target one day prior to the announcement was 25.5%, the average premium over the closing price of the target one week prior to the announcement was 24.9% and the average premium over the closing price of the target one month prior to the announcement was 24.5%.

        With respect to the aggregate of 447 of the Premiums Paid Transactions, Greenhill observed that the average premium over the closing price of the target one day prior to the announcement was 19.9%, the average premium over the closing price of the target one week prior to the announcement was 18.6% and the average premium over the closing price of the target one month prior to the announcement was 22.0%.

        Greenhill applied the average premiums reflected above to GFI's closing stock price on July 29, 2014, July 23, 2014 and June 30, 2014, as applicable, which resulted in a range of implied share prices of from $3.43 to $4.13. Greenhill compared this range to GFI's closing stock price on November 28, 2014 of $4.98 per share and to the $5.25 per share value of the Merger Consideration to be received in the GFI Merger.


Equity Research Analyst Price Targets

        Greenhill reviewed the two public market trading price targets for GFI Common Stock prepared and published by equity research analysts and available on November 28, 2014. These targets reflect each analyst's estimate of the future public market trading price of GFI Common Stock at the time the price target was published. Both equity analyst price targets for GFI Common Stock were $5.25. Greenhill compared this value to (i) GFI's closing stock price on July 29, 2014, the day before the announcement of the original GFI Merger Agreement, of $3.11 per share, (ii) GFI's closing stock price on November 28, 2014 of $4.98 per share, (iii) the $4.55 per share value of the Merger Consideration to be received under the original GFI Merger Agreement and (iv) the $5.25 per share value of the Merger Consideration to be received in the GFI Merger.

        The public market trading price targets published by equity research analysts do not necessarily reflect current market trading prices for shares of GFI Common Stock and these estimates are subject to uncertainties, including the future financial performance of GFI and future financial market conditions.


General

        The summary set forth above does not purport to be a complete description of the analyses or data presented by Greenhill, but simply describes, in summary form, the material analyses that Greenhill considered in connection with its opinion. The preparation of an opinion regarding fairness is a complex analytical process involving various determinations as to the most appropriate and relevant methods of financial analysis and the application of those methods to the particular circumstances, and, therefore, such an opinion is not readily susceptible to partial analysis or summary description. The preparation of an opinion regarding fairness does not involve a mathematical evaluation or weighing of the results of the individual analyses performed, but requires Greenhill to exercise its professional judgment, based on its experience and expertise, in considering a wide variety of analyses taken as a whole. Each of the analyses conducted by Greenhill was carried out in order to provide a different perspective on the financial terms of the GFI Merger and add to the total mix of information available. Greenhill did not form a conclusion as to whether any individual analysis, considered in isolation, supported or failed to support an opinion about the fairness, from a financial point of view, of the Merger Consideration to be received by the holders of shares of GFI Common Stock (other than the JPI Holders) in the GFI Merger to such holders. Rather, in reaching its conclusion, Greenhill considered the results of the analyses in light of each other and without placing particular reliance or weight on any particular analysis other than with regard to the discounted cash flow analysis as noted above, and concluded that its analyses, taken as a whole, supported its determination. Accordingly, notwithstanding the separate factors summarized above, Greenhill believes that its analyses must be

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considered as a whole and that selecting portions of its analyses and the factors considered by it, without considering all analyses and factors, may create an incomplete view of the evaluation process underlying its opinion. In performing its analyses, Greenhill made numerous assumptions with respect to industry performance, business and economic conditions and other matters. The analyses performed by Greenhill are not necessarily indicative of future actual values or results, which may be significantly more or less favorable than suggested by such analyses. The analyses do not purport to be appraisals or to reflect the prices at which GFI might actually be sold.

        The Special Committee retained Greenhill based on its qualifications and expertise in providing financial advice and on its reputation as an internationally recognized investment banking firm. Greenhill's opinion was one of the many factors considered by the Special Committee in the evaluation of the GFI Merger and should not be viewed as determinative of the views of the Special Committee with respect to the GFI Merger.


Revised Discounted Cash Flow Analysis

        At the December 12 meeting of the Special Committee, Greenhill presented a revised discounted cash flow analysis that reflected a change in the application of the size-based risk premium in the weighted average cost of capital calculation. This change resulted in revised ranges of discount rates of 12.0% to 11.0% for the IDB Business and 12.5% to 11.5% for the Technology Businesses. Utilizing these revised discount rates, the range of implied per share prices of GFI Common Stock resulting from the discounted cash flow analysis are as follows: (i) based upon the Updated Management Projections for the IDB Business and the Management Projections for the Technology Businesses, $4.69 to $5.60 per share, and (ii) based upon the final Credit Case Projections for the IDB Business and the Management Projections for the Technology Businesses, $5.24 to $6.29 per share. Greenhill informed the Special Committee that, had this revised discounted cash flow analysis been utilized in Greenhill's fairness analysis on July 29, 2014 or December 1, 2014, it would not have affected Greenhill's opinion as to the fairness, from a financial point of view, of the Merger Consideration to be received by the holders of shares of GFI Common Stock (other than the JPI Holders) in the GFI Merger to such holders.


Certain Forecasts

        GFI does not as a matter of course make public long-term forecasts as to future performance or other prospective financial information beyond the current fiscal year, and GFI is especially wary of making forecasts or projections for extended periods due to the unpredictability of the underlying assumptions and estimates. However, as part of the due diligence review of GFI in connection with the GFI Merger, GFI's management prepared and provided to Greenhill, in connection with its evaluation of the fairness, from a financial point of view, of the Merger Consideration to be received by the holders of shares of GFI Common Stock (other than the JPI Holders) in the GFI Merger, non-public, internal financial forecasts regarding GFI's projected future operations for the 2014 through 2018 fiscal years. GFI has included below a summary of these forecasts for the purpose of providing stockholders and investors access to certain non-public information that was furnished to third parties and such information may not be appropriate for other purposes.

        The GFI internal financial forecasts were not prepared with a view toward public disclosure, nor were they prepared with a view toward compliance with published guidelines of the SEC, the guidelines established by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants for preparation and presentation of financial forecasts or generally accepted accounting principles in the United States. PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP has not examined, compiled or performed any procedures with respect to the accompanying prospective financial information and, accordingly, PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP does not express an opinion or any other form of assurance with respect thereto. The PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP report incorporated by reference in this proxy statement/prospectus relates only to GFI's historical financial information. They do not extend to the prospective financial information and should not be read to do so. The summary of these internal financial forecasts

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included below is not being included to influence your decision whether to vote for the GFI Merger, but because these internal financial forecasts were provided by GFI to Greenhill.

        While presented with numeric specificity, these internal financial forecasts were based on numerous variables and assumptions (including, but not limited to, those related to industry performance and competition and general business, economic, market and financial conditions and additional matters specific to GFI's businesses) that are inherently subjective and uncertain and are beyond the control of GFI's management. Important factors that may affect actual results and cause these internal financial forecasts to not be achieved include, but are not limited to, risks and uncertainties relating to GFI's business (including its ability to achieve strategic goals, objectives and targets over applicable periods), industry performance, general business and economic conditions and other factors discussed in the sections entitled "Risk Factors" in GFI's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2013 and GFI's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended June 30, 2014, all of which are filed with the SEC and incorporated by reference into this proxy statement/prospectus. These internal financial forecasts also reflect numerous variables, expectations and assumptions available at the time they were prepared as to certain business decisions that are subject to change. As a result, actual results may differ materially from those contained in these internal financial forecasts. Accordingly, there can be no assurance that the forecasted results summarized below will be realized.

        The inclusion of a summary of these internal financial forecasts in this proxy statement/prospectus should not be regarded as an indication that any of GFI, CME or their respective affiliates, advisors or representatives considered these internal financial forecasts to be predictive of actual future events, and these internal financial forecasts should not be relied upon as such nor should the information contained in these internal financial forecasts be considered appropriate for other purposes. None of GFI, CME or their respective affiliates, advisors, officers, directors or representatives can give you any assurance that actual results will not differ materially from these internal financial forecasts, and none of them undertakes any obligation to update or otherwise revise or reconcile these internal financial forecasts to reflect circumstances existing after the date these internal financial forecasts were generated or to reflect the occurrence of future events, even in the event that any or all of the assumptions underlying these forecasts are shown to be in error. Since the forecasts cover multiple years, such information by its nature becomes less meaningful and predictive with each successive year. GFI does not intend to make publicly available any update or other revision to these internal financial forecasts. None of GFI, its affiliates, advisors, officers, directors or representatives has made or makes any representation to any stockholder or other person regarding GFI's ultimate performance compared to the information contained in these internal financial forecasts or that the forecasted results will be achieved. GFI has made no representation to CME, in the GFI Merger Agreement or otherwise, concerning these internal financial forecasts. The below forecasts do not give effect to the GFI Merger. GFI urges all stockholders to review GFI's most recent SEC filings for a description of GFI's reported financial results.


Updated Management Projections

Management Projections—Trayport & Fenics  
($ in millions)
  2014E   2015E   2016E   2017E   2018E  

Net Revenue

  $ 104.3   $ 113.1   $ 129.1   $ 143.6   $ 156.6  

Operating Income(1)

  $ 47.4   $ 51.2   $ 60.9   $ 68.2   $ 74.5  

EBITDA

  $ 53.4   $ 57.5   $ 67.5   $ 74.8   $ 81.1  

Notes: Converted from GBP to USD at a rate of 1.5767
2015E - 2018E adjustment to reflect FENICS' payment of 75% market data revenue share to the IDB Business in accordance with the proposed terms of the IDB Transaction

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Updated Management Projections—IDB Business  
($ in millions)
  2014E   2015E   2016E   2017E   2018E  

Net Revenue

  $ 626.6   $ 629.5   $ 629.3   $ 642.2   $ 655.5  

Operating Income(1)

 
$

0.7
 
$

15.1
 
$

18.6
 
$

28.9
 
$

35.8
 

Less: Cash Sign-on Bonuses

    (12.0 )   (12.0 )   (12.0 )   (12.0 )   (12.0 )

Plus: Amortization of Sign-on Bonuses

    28.9     24.7     19.1     15.8     15.8  

Plus: Depreciation

    18.3     18.3     18.3     18.3     18.3  
                       

EBITDA

  $ 36.0   $ 46.1   $ 44.0   $ 51.1   $ 57.9  

Tangible Book Value at 12/31/2013

 
$

215.0
                         

Final Credit Case Projections (IDB Business)  
($ in millions)
  2014E   2015E   2016E   2017E   2018E  

Net Revenue

  $ 626.6   $ 629.5   $ 629.3   $ 642.2   $ 655.4  

Operating Income(1)

 
$

0.7
 
$

45.9
 
$

36.2
 
$

53.0
 
$

62.3
 

Less: Cash Sign-on Bonuses

    (12.0 )   (9.3 )   (10.7 )   (12.0 )   (12.0 )

Plus: Amortization of Sign-on Bonuses

    28.9     4.0     8.0     12.0     12.0  

Plus: Depreciation

    18.3     18.3     18.3     18.3     18.3  
                       

EBITDA

  $ 36.0   $ 58.9   $ 51.8   $ 71.3   $ 80.6  

Tangible Book Value at 12/31/2013

 
$

215.0
                         

(1)
Operating Income consists of Net Revenue less operating expenses, excluding income tax expense and interest on borrowings, if any.


CME's Reasons for the GFI Merger

        The GFI Merger is expected to enable CME, through the acquisition of Trayport, to expand and strengthen its involvement with European energy markets by providing trading software, network and hosting services to brokers, exchanges and trading counterparties. In addition, the GFI Merger will allow CME, through the acquisition of FENICS, to provide price discovery, analytics, risk management and workflow connectivity services for the global OTC FX options markets. In approving the GFI Merger, CME's Board considered, among other things:


Ownership of CME Following the GFI Merger

        Based on the number of shares of GFI Common Stock outstanding and issuable pursuant to the vesting of RSUs prior to the date the GFI Merger is expected to be completed and assuming the entire available cash consideration amount of $89 million is paid as part of the aggregate Merger Consideration, CME expects to issue approximately 6.89 million shares of CME Class A Common Stock to GFI Stockholders pursuant to the GFI Merger and the JPI Merger and reserve for issuance approximately 6,800 additional shares of CME Class A Common Stock in connection with the conversion or settlement of outstanding Continuing Employee RSUs. The actual number of shares of CME Class A Common Stock to be issued and reserved for issuance pursuant to the GFI Merger will

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be determined at completion of the GFI Merger based on the cash, stock and no election amounts, the Exchange Ratio and the number of shares of GFI Common Stock and Continuing Employee RSUs outstanding at that time. Based on the number of shares of GFI Common Stock outstanding and issuable pursuant to the vesting of RSUs prior to the date the GFI Merger is expected to be completed and assuming the entire available cash consideration amount of $89 million is paid as part of the aggregate Merger Consideration, and based on the number of shares of CME Class A Common Stock outstanding as of October 30, 2014, it is expected that, immediately after completion of the GFI Merger, former GFI Stockholders (including stockholders of JPI) will own approximately 2.05% of the outstanding shares of CME Class A Common Stock.