We are pleased to announce that NYMEX and COMEX have joined CME Group today, marking the closing of our transaction. We want to extend our sincere thanks to our members in New York and Chicago, as you have been instrumental in bringing together two long and successful histories to form the world's largest and most diverse derivatives exchange.

Our combination positions us to create millions of dollars in efficiencies for clearing firms, as well as other efficiencies for our broad customer base. We will continue to put a premium on customer service, providing you with a seamless experience as we move through this integration. CME Group will continue to maintain a significant presence in New York. More information on the closing of the transaction and our integration timeline are contained in the attached news release.

Additionally, we want to provide you with further information regarding the $750,000 in consideration payable to NYMEX Class A members for each membership. NYMEX will mail to each NYMEX Class A member as of the date of the closing, the waiver and release form, as well as make the form available on its Web site. You must validly complete and return the form within 60 days following the closing to receive your $750,000 per NYMEX Class A membership. Payment will be made, at your election, either by check, which will be delivered via overnight delivery, or by wire transfer to the account you specify in the documentation you receive with the waiver and release form. We will make payments on Wednesdays to NYMEX Class A members who submitted a valid waiver and release no later than the preceding Friday.

As a united company, we are poised for a new phase of growth, innovation and product development. Our combined company will provide you, our valued members, and our customers with access to all major benchmark asset classes, including interest rates, equity indexes, foreign exchange, energy, agricultural commodities and metals. We look forward to the opportunity to build the NYMEX and COMEX benchmark energy and metals businesses in both exchange-traded and over-the-counter markets, and we also look forward to gathering your input as we move through the integration.

Thank you for your support throughout this transaction, and we look forward to seeing you at our member reception on Monday, August 25 at 3:00 p.m. in the 10th floor reception area.