The financial information giants have each issued strong results ahead of teaming up. Reuters sales are growing slightly faster at 6.4%. Regulators still need to clear the deal. Approval in the US for the merger of two Chicago exchanges, without forced disposals, is a boost.

The synergies from cramming the two financial information providers together are likely to dwarf any other combination. With Reuters largest shareholder backing a deal, its days as a solo player look numbered.