Direct Edge Holdings (Direct Edge), the parent company of Direct Edge ECN, and the International Securities Exchange (ISE) announced today that they have completed the transaction through which the ISE Stock Exchange has become a wholly owned subsidiary of Direct Edge Holdings. Upon completion of the transaction, ISE also gained a significant equity stake in Direct Edge.
"Through this transformative partnership, Direct Edge will further accelerate its rapid rise as a major market center," said Direct Edge CEO William O'Brien. "In addition to facilitating our transition to exchange status, Direct Edge has gained immediate direct access to the National Market System, inherited innovative products such as the MidPoint MatchSM, improved its technology and infrastructure, and expanded our talent base. Our partnership with the ISE creates a foundation from which Direct Edge will continue to build a lasting franchise."
"We are excited to become a significant strategic partner in Direct Edge and to support their rapid growth in the US equities market by providing them with our technology and regulatory expertise," said Gary Katz, President and CEO of ISE. "Our strengths complement each other and provide a strong basis for continued expansion and innovation. As we move forward, our new partnership will enable us to look for additional areas where we can work together to enhance our respective marketplaces."
ISE now has a 31.54% ownership stake in Direct Edge, with Knight Capital Group, Inc., Citadel Derivatives Group, and Goldman Sachs each retaining a 19.9% ownership interest. Direct Edge further announces that, through the acquisition of ISE Stock Exchange Units in advance of the closing of this transaction, J.P. Morgan has increased its ownership stake in Direct Edge. The remaining ownership is held by other former ISE Stock Exchange strategic partners, including Deutsche Bank, Merrill Lynch, Nomura Securities, and Sun Trading.
Direct Edge will continue with its efforts to submit two Form 1 applications to gain exchange status for the purpose of operating EDGA and EDGX as newly-registered national securities exchanges. Until SEC approval of the two exchange licenses is granted, Direct Edge will utilize the ISE Stock Exchange for quotation display and trade-through protection in the National Market System. During this period, the ISE Stock Exchange will continue to operate as a facility of ISE, LLC. ISE will also provide data center and regulatory services for Direct Edge exchange subsidiaries once they become part of the National Market System.
