European challenger exchange, Aquis Exchange plc, has been acquired by SIX, creating an exchange innovator with a 15% market share and access to 16 European capital markets.
The move positions SIX as the only exchange group providing listing venues in all major European financial centres, including the UK, the EU and Switzerland.
Zurich-based SIX operates a fully integrated exchange value chain across the Swiss and Spanish financial centres.
With its backing, Aquis now has ambitions to become the go-to choice for growth companies in the UK to list on.
London-based Aquis will continue to operate as an independent entity and brand, being led by its existing management team, while benefiting from the scale, resources and investment strength of SIX.
SIX is now set to use Aquis’ technology to spark new ideas in capital markets.
“The acquisition of Aquis marks a significant milestone in the evolution of SIX as a pan-European leader,” said Bjørn Sibbern, CEO of SIX.
“With Aquis, we gain not only access to new markets but also the technology and expertise needed to drive innovation at scale.
“We aim to offer our clients a unified experience with ‘One Plug, Multiple Trading Venues- – a single connection providing access to Switzerland, Spain, and the UK – ensuring more liquidity, better market access, and innovative trading solutions.”
David Stevens, CEO of Aquis, added: “Joining SIX is an exciting opportunity for Aquis and our clients. Aquis has achieved great momentum in our mission to challenge across European capital markets and we will be able to go further, faster, and stronger as part of SIX.
“We will continue to innovate in trading, to deploy cutting-edge technology, and to provide a tailored listings environment for the UK’s high-growth smaller companies, while further benefiting from the strength of the European reach and infrastructure of SIX.
“Together, we are uniquely positioned to shape the future of the European exchange landscape.”