Please be advised of the following information regarding the treatment of options relating to shares of NYMEX Holdings, Inc. (“NYMEX Holdings”) common stock as affected by the conversion of NYMEX Holdings common stock into the merger consideration in connection with the merger of CME Group Inc. and NYMEX Holdings.  While we cannot offer definitive advice, the Options Clearing Corporation has provided a memorandum (No. 24781, link provided below) which sets forth the merger's impact on open positions in options on NYMEX Holdings common stock. The highlights of that memorandum with respect to the treatment of options are set forth below.

As of August 25, 2008, the symbols for NYMEX Holdings options have changed as set forth below:

"NMX" changed to "NJE"
"NJO" changed to "NJF"
"LXN" changed to "LON"

There were no changes to the strike price or number of contracts of these options.  However, the deliverable per contract for adjusted NMX/NJO/LXN options is now based on the merger consideration to be paid to NYMEX Holdings stockholders who did not make an election to receive either cash or stock consideration in the merger.  Pursuant to the CME Group / NYMEX Holdings merger agreement, such non-electing holders are treated as if they had elected to receive cash consideration.  The preliminary amount of cash accruing to such holders is $81.16 per NYMEX Holdings share.

The final amount payable to such holders will be determined and announced tomorrow, August 28, in a Notice to Members, together with additional information regarding the pro ration process.

Again, we encourage you to direct further inquiries with respect to the treatment of NYMEX options to your respective brokers and/or legal counsel. 

http://www.optionsclearing.com/market/infomemos/2008/aug/24781.pdf