LONDON, May 5, 2016 /PRNewswire/ --
European Stock Exchange and Startup Stock Exchange to Merge Activities Under ISEG
The International Stock Exchange Group (ISEG) has acquired the Startup Stock Exchange http://www.Startup.SX an international marketplace for the trading of early stage company shares.
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The transaction will combine the operations of the European Stock Exchange (ESE) and the Startup Stock Exchange (SSX) under ISEG and expand the group's global presence and listing capabilities.
SSX was founded in 2012 to provide a market for the trading of qualified and publicly listed early stage companies. SSX operates under the DCSX in Curacao, Kingdom of the Netherlands with supervision from the Central Bank of Curacao and St. Maarten. SSX has grown its market to registered investors from 144 countries and listing applications from over 900 companies from 80 countries. SSX was featured in the Wall Street Journal in September 2014 and also in papers from Brazil to India to Singapore.
The synergies between ESE and SSX were the motivating factor of this acquisition. ESE offers companies a market where they can attract the next level of investor and to act like a public company before embarking on the obligation of being one. ESE has created the only platform where companies can list after crowdfunding and acts as a bridge between that type of fundraising and the regulation of a full exchange.
Edward Fitzpatrick, founder of ISEG, said "In the lifecycle of today's fast-paced business any regular stock exchange just isn't fit for purpose for early stage companies. These exchanges suit well-established companies with seasoned management." ESE is a 'university' if you like. Perfect for crowdfunded companies to get them to the next round, highlight them to the next level of investor. ESE is a platform that does not trade shares and so having the next stage with SSX where companies can trade shares is a natural step."
The closing of the SSX acquisition and the merger of activity and management with ESE brings a dynamic for thousands of companies seeking a home for the two steps required before any of these companies consider a big board listing or any other form of exit strategy.
"The acquisition of SSX Holdings Corp. by ISEG is an exciting evolution for SSX. It provides ESE a next step for qualified companies and investors to trade their shares on a licensed market. My co-founder, Brian Niessen and I are excited to place SSX under the control of ISEG and ensure ESE and SSX's continued growth," said Ian Haet, CEO and Co-Founder of SSX.
The acquisition provides ISEG with a robust technical platform for the trading of shares. ISEG has further ambitions in the platform arena and is in discussions in other parts of the world to bring a universal home for early stage companies to structure their capital, highlight their opportunity and ultimately trade their securities and allow well thought out exit strategies for their early adopter investor backers.
Investors and companies can visit http://www.europeanstockexchange.com , http://www.startup.sx and http://www.iseg.co for information.
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