Thomson Reuters (TSX / NYSE: TRI), the world’s leading source of intelligent information for businesses and professionals, has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire 100% of the shares of FXall for $22 per share in cash. FXall (NYSE:FX), is the leading independent global provider of electronic foreign exchange trading solutions to corporations and asset managers. Under the agreement, Thomson Reuters will launch a tender offer, which is subject to standard regulatory approvals, for the acquisition in the coming days. The FXall Board has unanimously resolved to recommend that all shareholders tender their shares into the offer.
Technology Crossover Ventures, FXall’s largest shareholder, Phil Weisberg, chairman and chief executive officer and John Cooley, chief financial officer, who collectively own approximately 32.5% of FXall’s outstanding shares, have each agreed to tender their shares into the offer (subject to certain terms and conditions).
This transaction brings together two leading companies in their respective segments of the dynamic foreign exchange marketplace, one of the largest and most liquid asset classes. FXall and Thomson Reuters have complementary customer bases and long standing relationships with bank liquidity providers.
Thomson Reuters is a key provider of access to market liquidity and workflow solutions to the inter-bank electronic FX markets. Participants in the FX market use Thomson Reuters to access content and pre-trade analytics, connect to their counterparties, find liquidity and trade in regulatory compliant and secure environments.
FXall’s leading trading and workflow processes are used worldwide by over 1,300 institutional clients including asset managers, corporations, banks, broker-dealers and hedge funds.
“Thomson Reuters and FXall have established leading positions in complementary aspects of electronic FX trading,” said Abel Clark, managing director, Marketplaces, Thomson Reuters. “This combination will enable us to provide our customers with integrated management of trades though the entire lifecycle, delivering the benefits of a more streamlined trading process and more efficient execution.”
“FXall will now have a bigger stage from which to drive greater innovation and growth, with access to Thomson Reuters global reach, standing in the FX community and focus on client solutions,” said Phil Weisberg, chairman and chief executive officer, FXall. “The combined platform allows us to deliver greater value to our clients and employees, building upon the foundation that we have established over the past twelve years. In addition, we believe this is a compelling transaction for our shareholders.”
Thomson Reuters expects the acquisition to close in the third quarter. FXall remains fully committed to ensuring a seamless transition and continued quality of service to its customers.
In connection with the transaction, Barclays is acting as financial advisor to Thomson Reuters and J.P. Morgan is acting as financial advisor to FXall.
Thomson ReutersThomson Reuters is the world's leading source of intelligent information for businesses and professionals. We combine industry expertise with innovative technology to deliver critical information to leading decision makers in the financial and risk, legal, tax and accounting, intellectual property and science and media markets, powered by the world's most trusted news organization. With headquarters in New York and major operations in London and Eagan, Minnesota, Thomson Reuters employs approximately 60,000 people and operates in over 100 countries. Thomson Reuters shares are listed on the Toronto and New York Stock Exchanges. For more information, go to http://thomsonreuters.com.