Miami International Holdings to Acquire The International Stock Exchange in Major Strategic Move
On March 19, 2025, Miami International Holdings, Inc. (MIH) made headlines by announcing an impactful proposal to acquire The International Stock Exchange Group Limited (TISE). This anticipated transaction, executed via MIH's fully-owned subsidiary MIH East Holdings, Limited, is poised to enrich MIH's portfolio in the realm of financial services, emphasizing the company's ambition to enhance its international market presence.
The offer extends a substantial cash consideration of £22.50 per ordinary share of TISE, valuing the overall issued and to be issued share capital of TISE at around £70.4 million (approximately $91.5 million). MIH East Holdings, which currently holds a 29.46% stake in TISE, aims to capitalize on the opportunities presented in this acquisition, further fortifying its foothold in global financial markets.
TISE, based in Guernsey, has emerged as a key player in providing financial market and securities services, successfully positioning itself as one of Europe’s major professional bond markets. As of the end of 2024, the exchange boasted over 4,400 securities listed with a total market valuation exceeding £750 billion (about $975 billion), signifying its stable growth and reliability as a financial institution.
Thomas P. Gallagher, Chairman and CEO of MIH, expressed that the acquisition of TISE represents a strategic move to expand MIH's operations both within the United States and on the international stage. "We are committed to bolstering our international business," Gallagher asserted, suggesting that increased investments in TISE will enhance its market reach and capabilities.
Echoing Gallagher's sentiments, Anderson Whamond, Chair of TISE, emphasized the transition of TISE from a local stock and bond market into an established international trading hub. The acquisition is expected to recognize the inherent strengths of TISE while providing shareholders with significant investment returns. Whamond conveyed excitement over the collaborative potential with MIH, hinting at opportunities for growth across Europe and beyond.
The board of TISE is unanimously in favor of the acquisition, which will follow a court-sanctioned arrangement under Part VIII of the Companies Law of Guernsey. The deal remains contingent upon obtaining necessary shareholder approvals and fulfilling specific regulatory requirements, as disclosed in the official announcement concerning the acquisition.
Founded in November 2013, TISE has evolved significantly, launching innovative products and services including a qualified investor bond market and a private markets offering in 2023. These initiatives indicate TISE's adaptability and strategic foresight in catering to the evolving needs of both public and private enterprises.
MIAX, MIH's parent company, operates multiple national securities exchanges, employing proprietary technology that aligns with the high-performance demands of the U.S. options trading sphere. With headquarters in both Princeton, New Jersey and around the U.S., MIAX's infrastructure positions it advantageously in the competitive financial landscape.
In summary, this acquisition of TISE by Miami International Holdings is not merely a transactional venture but a well-calibrated strategy aimed at enhancing competitiveness and marketability in the global financial space. As both organizations anticipate the next steps in this collaboration, stakeholders are keenly watching to see how this acquisition will impact their respective operations and the broader financial market landscape.