Marex Group Acquires Winterflood Securities for £103.9m, Strengthening UK Cash Equities Operations and Broadening Distribution Capabilities

Marex Group has agreed to acquire UK equity market maker Winterflood Securities from Close Brothers Group for approximately £103.9m ($139.5m) in cash. The acquisition is expected to strengthen Marex's UK cash equities operations and broaden its distribution capabilities in the UK institutional sector. Winterflood provides execution services to over 400 institutional clients and has a market share of around 15% by volume on the London Stock Exchange. The deal is contingent upon regulatory approval and is expected to be finalized in early 2026.

Marex Group has agreed to acquire UK equity market maker Winterflood Securities from Close Brothers Group for approximately £103.9m ($139.5m) in cash. The acquisition is anticipated to strengthen Marex's existing UK cash equities operations and broaden its distribution capabilities in the UK institutional sector. Winterflood provides execution services to over 400 institutional clients and holds a market share of around 15% by volume on the London Stock Exchange. The deal is contingent upon regulatory approval and is expected to be finalized in early 2026 [1].

Winterflood Securities, a UK equity market maker, has been a significant player in the market, delivering execution services to over 400 institutional clients. With a market share of approximately 15% on the London Stock Exchange, the company has well-established client connectivity through its proprietary technology platform. In addition to its market-making activities, Winterflood operates Winterflood Business Services, which offers outsourced dealing, settlement, and custody services to a variety of clients, including large institutions, investment platforms, wealth managers, and retail aggregators [2].

Marex Group, a diversified global financial services platform, provides essential liquidity, market access, and infrastructure services across energy, commodities, and financial markets. The acquisition of Winterflood Securities aligns with Marex's strategy to enhance its UK cash equities business and diversify its earnings by adding substantial distribution capabilities in the UK institutional sector. The acquisition is expected to materially improve Winterflood's profitability and recover the premium within two to three years through operational scale economies and technology synergies [3].

Ian Lowitt, CEO of Marex Group, commented, "This acquisition gives us an opportunity to transform our existing equity market making business into a leading franchise, utilising the technology and connectivity of what is the leading brand in this market. This deal is consistent with our strict financial criteria, and we see opportunities to materially improve Winterflood’s profitability and pay back its premium within two to three years." Bradley Dyer, CEO of Winterflood Securities, expressed delight in becoming part of Marex, highlighting the benefits of joining a high-growth, global financial services company with a strong balance sheet. Mike Morgan, CEO of Close Brothers Group, thanked the Winterflood team and expressed confidence in Marex as a steward for the business going forward [3].

The completion of the acquisition is subject to regulatory approval and is expected to be finalized in early 2026. This move is anticipated to strengthen Marex’s existing UK cash equities operations and broaden its distribution capabilities, particularly in servicing the UK institutional sector, which includes asset and wealth management firms [1].

References:
[1] https://www.privatebankerinternational.com/news/marex-buy-winterflood-securities/
[2] https://www.paminsight.com/twn/article/close-brothers-sells-execution-services-and-securities-business-
[3] https://www.stocktitan.net/news/MRX/marex-group-plc-to-acquire-uk-equity-market-maker-winterflood-s2r2ns07efui.html