MEDIA-Euronext boss attacks LSE/D.Boerse merger plan-FAZ

** The planned $28 billion merger between Deutsche Boerse AG (Xetra: 581005 - news) and London Stock Exchange Group Plc damages Europe, competition, listed companies and prospective ones, Euronext (Euronext: ENX.LS - news) chief executive Stephane Boujnah tells the Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung.

** "Euronext would be in second place, 10 times smaller than the merged firm. This kind of dominance can lead to abuse of power," Boujnah says. Euronext's market capitalisation is less than $3 billion.

** Boujnah says he regrets that Deutsche Boerse (LSE: 0H3T.L - news) did not seek contact with him, saying he had tried to get in touch many times since taking over in November 2015.

** European Competition Commissioner Margrethe Vestager is expected to comment on the planned deal next week and Boujnah says everyone expects the Commission to launch a more in-depth phase of the competition assessment.

** Boujnah says the merged companies would have "practically a monopoly" in clearing derivatives and says asset managers could face difficulties because the merger would bring index offerings such as Euro-Stoxx and FTSE under one roof.

** If the merger partners are forced to sell LSE's French clearing arm Clearnet as a condition for regulatory approval of the merger, Euronext would look at options for the unit, Boujnah says. Further company coverage: (Reporting by Frankfurt Newsroom)