In a bold move that reverberates across Europe’s trading landscape, SIX Exchange Group AG has finalized its £207 million ($285 million) acquisition of Aquis Exchange PLC, the London-based challenger exchange. This deal, long in the pipeline since Aquis’ board backed it last November, now positions SIX as a dominant force in pan-European financial markets.
The deal offered Aquis shareholders 727 pence per share in cash, a premium reflecting SIX’s ambition to tap into the beating heart of Europe’s startup and mid-cap equity markets.
Challenging the Status Quo in London’s Financial Arena
Aquis isn’t just another exchange—it’s a rising contender in the European financial arena, directly competing with London’s Alternative Investment Market (AIM). With a focus on growth companies, Aquis offers both primary and secondary markets for equity and debt securities, supporting entrepreneurial ventures across sectors.
Now under SIX’s umbrella, Aquis becomes part of a much larger strategic chessboard. SIX, headquartered in Zurich, says the acquisition significantly expands its listing capabilities and strengthens its pan-European trading ecosystem.
“The acquisition of Aquis marks a significant milestone in the evolution of SIX as a pan-European leader,” said Bjørn Sibbern, CEO of SIX. “We gain not only access to new markets but also the technology and expertise needed to drive innovation at scale.”
