MarketAxess deal gets early end to HSR waiting period

The Tip Desk · October 23, 2026 · 1 min read

The acquisition by Intercontinental Exchange satisfied its HSR condition, with shareholder and other regulatory approvals still outstanding.

MarketAxess Holdings Inc. (MKTX) received early termination of the HSR antitrust waiting period on Oct. 21, 2026, satisfying a closing condition for its acquisition by Intercontinental Exchange, Inc. The company announced the Justice Department and Federal Trade Commission action on Oct. 22.

MarketAxess operates an electronic platform where institutional investors and broker-dealers trade bonds; Intercontinental Exchange provides financial technology and data services, operates exchanges and clearing houses, and runs a retail bond trading business. Under their July 29 merger agreement, Intercontinental Exchange would acquire MarketAxess for $167 per share in cash, with MarketAxess becoming a wholly owned subsidiary.

MarketAxess said the merger still requires its stockholders’ approval, other required regulatory approvals and satisfaction of the remaining customary closing conditions.