Intercontinental Exchange to Acquire MarketAxess for $6 Billion
Intercontinental Exchange (ICE) has agreed to acquire MarketAxess Holdings, an electronic bond-trading platform, for $167 per share in cash. The deal, announced Thursday, values MarketAxess at approximately $6 billion in equity. The acquisition aims to expand ICE's fixed-income trading capabilities by integrating MarketAxess's platform, which connects over 1,800 institutional investors with more than 100 broker-dealers. The transaction is expected to close in the second half of 2025, pending regulatory approvals and shareholder votes. ICE, known for operating the New York Stock Exchange, has been diversifying into fixed-income markets, while MarketAxess has seen growth in electronic bond trading. The combined entity will offer a broader range of trading services, including corporate bonds, treasuries, and derivatives.
Key facts
- Intercontinental Exchange (ICE) agreed to acquire MarketAxess Holdings for $167 per share in cash.
- The equity value of the deal is approximately $6 billion.
- The announcement was made on Thursday.
- MarketAxess is an electronic bond-trading platform.
- The acquisition is expected to close in the second half of 2025.
- The deal is subject to regulatory approvals and shareholder votes.
- ICE operates the New York Stock Exchange.
- MarketAxess connects over 1,800 institutional investors with more than 100 broker-dealers.
Entities
Institutions
- Intercontinental Exchange
- MarketAxess Holdings
- New York Stock Exchange
Sources
- Quartz —