[left of center]

I remember back before CME bought CBOT, both Chicago exchanges were considered acquisition targets. We were very close to having both exchanges bought out by out of town/country interests. CME in particular was being eyed by Deutsche Bourse, IIRC. Thankfully the stars aligned, the CME board fought off the Krauts and ended up buying CBOT, keeping both organizations firmly in Chicago and cementing Chicago's position as a major financial center, instead of fading to a backwater.

Glad to see the CME is still on top of its game and not resting on its laurels.