European Exchange Business Expands Through Aquis Acquisition by SIX
The recent acquisition of Aquis Exchange by SIX Group, effective from July 1, 2025, marks a significant milestone in the evolution of European exchange and capital markets. The combined entity, now one of the leading pan-European exchange innovators, commands an aggregated 15% market share and access to 16 capital markets across Europe.
This strategic move positions SIX Group as the only exchange operator providing listing venues in all major European financial centers, including Switzerland, the EU, and the UK. The integration aims to deliver a seamless trading experience across multiple venues, enhancing liquidity and market efficiency for market participants. With Aquis, SIX gains access to new markets, particularly those previously targeted by challengers like Aquis.
SIX plans to leverage Aquis’ footprint and technology to expand its service offering and client reach throughout Europe. Aquis will maintain its established brand and management team post-acquisition, preserving its successful business model while benefiting from SIX’s broader European infrastructure and capital. This framework sets the foundation for new revenue streams by integrating multi-asset class services and enhancing cross-venue trading capabilities.
The acquisition is positioned as a catalyst for further innovation in trading platforms and capital market structures. SIX intends to utilize Aquis’ next-generation trading technology to drive innovation at scale, aiming to create more innovative trading solutions tailored to client needs. The goal is to ensure more liquidity, better market access, and innovative trading solutions, particularly within the UK listings environment.
Tomas Kindler, Global Head Exchanges at SIX, views Aquis as a key strategic building block for SIX to become a pan-European exchange, listing venue for growth companies, and trading technology provider. The acquisition is expected to contribute to SIX’s growth and success in the European market.
Aquis Exchange’s CEO, David Stevens, expressed excitement about joining SIX, while Bjørn Sibbern, CEO of SIX, stated that the acquisition marks a significant milestone in SIX's evolution as a pan-European leader. The combined businesses will offer a unified, efficient trading ecosystem with better market access and liquidity, supporting cutting-edge technology deployment and fostering growth particularly for high-growth smaller companies.
The acquisition sets the stage for SIX to expand in the European trading market, strengthening its infrastructure footprint in several financial centers. As SIX and Aquis work closely with regulatory authorities to obtain necessary approvals, the combined entities will be uniquely positioned to shape the future of the European exchange landscape.
On ffnews.com, it is reported that SIX Group's acquisition of Aquis Exchange, effective from July 1, 2025, will significantly impact the European business, finance, and technology sectors. With the integrated entities commanding a 15% market share and access to 16 capital markets across Europe, SIX will become the only exchange operator providing listing venues in all major European financial centers. The acquisition will position SIX as a pan-European leader, offering a unified, efficient trading ecosystem with better market access and liquidity, supporting cutting-edge technology deployment and fostering growth, particularly for high-growth smaller companies.
