Liffe, the electronic futures and options market, is to delay a crucial shareholder vote to ratify its e-commerce plans.

An exchange spokeswoman confirmed last week that an extraordinary general meeting, which was planned for mid-August, has been postponed. It was not immediately clear last week when the meeting, at which shareholders are expected to approve a deal that will see Liffe hand up to 40% of its equity over to two venture capitalists, will now take place.