Deutsche Börse is set to purchase the remaining equity in ISS Stoxx for €1.1 billion. The German exchange operator revealed Thursday its intention to completely acquire data and index supplier ISS Stoxx.
Deutsche Börse will obtain the 20% stake in ISS Stoxx, still belonging to financial backer General Atlantic, for €1.1 billion ($1.31 billion). The payment will be settled via cash and through borrowed capital, the entity indicated.
The DAX-listed firm initially considered listing ISS Stoxx on the stock market, however, the IPO failed and post the full buyout, this alternative is no longer under consideration. General Atlantic's disposal is anticipated to be finalized by the close of March.
ISS Stoxx has recently encountered political strain in the US. The business, which furnishes stock indices, analytical research and sustainability resolutions, has faced criticism from President Donald Trump, who is against Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) principles.
Deutsche Börse, which revealed record results for 2025 on Wednesday evening, anticipates maintaining its AA credit grade following the deal’s completion.
This is significant to avert a substantial escalation in the cost of funding, notably for forthcoming acquisitions. Apart from internal growth, Deutsche Börse's mid-term strategy encompasses active acquisitions. This marks the company’s second noteworthy transaction in recent weeks. In January, the group disclosed its plan to procure the Allfunds fund platform for over €5 billion.
If sanctioned, it would represent the largest acquisition in the company’s past, but the arrangement is still awaiting regulatory consent.
Pending the finalization of the Allfunds transaction, Deutsche Börse’s largest acquisition remains the procurement of Danish software developer Simcorp in 2023 for roughly €3.9 billion. Simcorp’s software solutions are crafted to boost the effectiveness of investment managers and financial organizations.
Source: Reuters