Qatar, Dubai close to LSE, OMX stake deal: sources

LONDON (Reuters) - Talks between Qatar Holding and Borse Dubai about exchanging shares in the London Stock Exchange

and Nordic rival OMX have progressed and a deal is close, said people familiar with the matter.

The sides have been exploring a deal, which the sources said could now come within days or weeks, whereby the Qataris would exchange their 10 percent stake in OMX for at least part of the stake held by Borse Dubai in the LSE.

Borse Dubai and the QIA declined to comment.

Qatar Holding had earlier on Tuesday withdrawn its request for approval of a potential bid for OMX, opening the door to completion of a $5 billion takeover of the Nordic bourse operator by Borse Dubai and Nasdaq.

The Qatari investment vehicle, a subsidiary of the Qatar Investment Authority, said in a statement on Tuesday it was withdrawing its application to Sweden's financial watchdog to be considered a suitable owner of OMX as it was no longer needed.

(Reporting by Mathieu Robbins)