CME Group Inc. (CME) is considering whether to open a futures exchange in London, according to the Financial Times, which cited an interview with William Knottenbelt, the head of the company’s European operations.

The Chicago-based operator of three U.S. futures markets is among bidders for the London Metal Exchange, a person familiar with the matter told Bloomberg News in February. CME’s European clearinghouse began in May 2011.

“The company is working to grow its business outside of the United States, but we don’t have anything to announce at this time,” Laurie Bischel, a CME spokeswoman, said in an e- mail.

To contact the reporter on this story: Nick Baker in New York at nbaker7@bloomberg.net

To contact the editor responsible for this story: Nick Baker at nbaker7@bloomberg.net