Marex Group plc to purchase UK equity market maker Winterflood Securities

Marex Group plc has made a significant announcement today regarding its acquisition of Winterflood Securities, a prominent UK equity market maker, from Close Brothers Group plc. The deal, valued at £103.9 million in cash, presents a £15 million premium and is set to bolster Marex’s position in the UK cash equities market.

Winterflood Securities is renowned for providing execution services to over 400 institutional clients and holding a consistent ranking as a top three market counterparty with a market share of approximately 15% by volume on the London Stock Exchange. With a robust client connectivity network through its proprietary technology platform, Winterflood is a key player in the industry.

The acquisition of Winterflood by Marex is seen as a strategic move to enrich Marex’s existing UK cash equities business. Marex aims to attract new clients, broaden its capabilities, and expand its reach to diversify earnings. The addition of Winterflood is anticipated to offer a substantial distribution service catered towards the UK institutional community, particularly asset and wealth management companies, by presenting access to Marex’s comprehensive product range.

Winterflood Business Services, a division of Winterflood Securities, offers outsourced dealing, settlement, and custody services to a diverse clientele, including large institutions, investment platforms, wealth managers, and retail aggregators. Marex’s acquisition of Winterflood will undoubtedly bring about a positive transformation in its equity market making business, leveraging Winterflood’s technology, market reputation, and client relationships.

Ian Lowitt, Marex’s Chief Executive Officer, expressed enthusiasm about the acquisition, citing the potential to elevate Winterflood’s profitability and integrate its operations within Marex’s platform successfully. The deal aligns with Marex’s financial strategies and is expected to yield significant economies of scale and enhanced client offerings across various products and services.

Winterflood Securities’ CEO, Bradley Dyer, echoed the sentiment of joining forces with Marex, acknowledging the growth potential of Marex as a global financial services company with solid financial backing. The acquisition promises to provide Winterflood’s clients with a broader array of products and services while maintaining the same level of service excellence.

Close Brothers Group plc’s Group Chief Executive, Mike Morgan, expressed confidence in Marex’s stewardship of Winterflood’s business in the future, recognizing the combined strengths of both entities. The acquisition is scheduled to undergo regulatory approval processes with the transaction expected to be finalized in early 2026.

Marex Group plc, a diversified global financial services platform, has a strong presence in energy, commodities, and financial markets. With a wide range of services like Clearing, Agency and Execution, Market Making, and Hedging and Investment Solutions, Marex is a leading player in major commodity markets worldwide. The Group boasts over 2,400 employees across Europe, Asia, and the Americas and maintains a strong foothold with access to 60 exchanges. Marex’s acquisition of Winterflood Securities is poised to create a powerful synergy in the UK equity market, benefitting clients and stakeholders across both organizations.