MILAN (Reuters) - Italy's ruling 5-Star Movement will monitor closely a bid by Hong Kong Exchange 0388.HK for the London Stock Exchange LSE.L to ensure it does not hurt Italian interests, it said on Wednesday.

Britain’s LSE owns Italian Stock Exchange Borsa Italiana, which in turn controls the MTS platform on which Italy’s government bonds are traded.

“(Hong Kong’s bid for LSE) is unexpected news, as the offer was unsolicited, and for this reason we will be vigilant to make sure any development of this situation does not harm Italian interests,” the party said in a statement.

It said it would ask newly appointed Economy Minister Roberto Gualtieri to clarify whether such an acquisition would pose risks for Italy.