Trading Technologies Partners with Thoma Bravo for Future Expansion Strategy

Trading Technologies International, Inc. (TT), a prominent provider of technology solutions for the global capital markets, is entering a new chapter in its growth strategy. The company recently announced a strategic partnership with Thoma Bravo, a leading software investment firm, alongside its current owner 7RIDGE, a firm specializing in growth equity in transformative technologies for financial services. This collaboration comes after a thorough evaluation of potential investors to best position TT for its next phase of development.

Founded in 1994, Trading Technologies has established itself as a key player in delivering impactful trading technology, continuously evolving to meet the needs of major banks, brokerages, hedge funds, and other responsible market participants. The announcement marks a significant milestone as TT seeks to enhance its service offerings and market reach.

Justin Llewellyn-Jones, CEO at Trading Technologies, expressed excitement over bringing Thoma Bravo on board, stating, "The synergy between TT's business and technical insights, combined with 7RIDGE's substantial industry acumen and Thoma Bravo's operational expertise, positions us as a formidable leader in the market. This collective approach allows us to be at our strongest ever, setting the stage for TT to become the essential operating system for capital markets."

The acquisition of TT by 7RIDGE was completed in December 2021, marking a pivotal moment in the firm's history. Carsten Kengeter, founder of 7RIDGE, reiterated confidence in TT's role in financial markets infrastructure. He noted, "The expertise and resources brought by Thoma Bravo will further guide TT's growth journey, underlining our faith in the company’s forward trajectory."

Thoma Bravo has a rich history of successfully investing in innovative software companies. With approximately $184 billion in assets under management, the firm focuses on driving growth in technology sectors. A.J. Rohde, Senior Partner at Thoma Bravo, pointed out TT's rapid evolution into a leading platform, with a dedicated client base that understands and values the quality of TT's offerings. He highlighted the market's increasing demand for speed and reliability, alongside the necessity for next-generation innovations, and expressed confidence that the partnership with 7RIDGE would help TT capitalize on these emerging opportunities.

"Our collaboration will not only enhance TT's operational capabilities but also unlock new pathways for growth and market leadership," added George Jaber, a Principal at Thoma Bravo. He emphasized their commitment to providing the operational guidance TT needs to foster innovation and continue delivering exceptional value to clients.

The transaction, which is subject to regulatory approval, is expected to close in the fourth quarter of 2025, though the specific terms have not been disclosed. Various financial and legal advisors, including Houlihan Lokey and Barclays for TT, and Ardea Partners and Goodwin Procter for Thoma Bravo, will be supporting the transaction’s facilitation.

Trading Technologies not only provides end-to-end trading operations technology but also delivers innovative solutions in data analytics, compliance, and transaction cost analysis, among others. As the market landscape evolves, the company aims to cement its role as a leading force driving capital markets technology forward.

This partnership is anticipated to usher in a new era for Trading Technologies, allowing it to build on its legacy of service and continue delivering cutting-edge solutions to its clients across various asset classes and trading functions.

As this partnership unfolds, market participants and industry observers will be keenly watching how TT leverages the strengths of both Thoma Bravo and 7RIDGE to enhance its offerings and meet the growing demands of the capital markets sector in an increasingly competitive landscape. The future looks bright for Trading Technologies as it embarks on this exciting new chapter in its journey toward innovation and growth within the financial services industry.