Marex Group plc to acquire equity derivatives market maker Webb Traders
Rhea-AI Summary
Marex (NASDAQ: MRX) has agreed to acquire European equity derivatives market maker Webb Traders, adding teams in Amsterdam and Paris specializing in single-stock options for European and US mid-to-large cap equities. The deal brings technology-led market makers, quants, developers and electronic trading capabilities.
The acquisition aims to internalise hedging, improve pricing, and enhance profit margins for Marex’s Equity Linked Structured Products platform. The transaction is subject to regulatory approval and is expected to close in the second or third quarter of 2026.
Positive
- Adds technology-led market makers, quants and developers to Marex
- Expands European footprint with offices in Amsterdam and Paris
- Enhances Equity Linked Structured Products by internalising hedging
- Expected to improve client pricing and profit margins
Negative
- Deal is subject to regulatory approval, creating timing and outcome uncertainty
- Potential integration challenges merging teams, systems and risk processes
Market Reality Check
Peers on Argus
MRX is down 0.3% while several momentum-screen peers (e.g., RIOT, HUT, CLSK, WULF) are up about 4–8%. Capital markets peers show mixed moves, indicating this acquisition headline is more stock-specific than sector-driven.
Previous Acquisition Reports
| Date | Event | Sentiment | Move | Catalyst |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dec 01 | Winterflood completion | Positive | +0.8% | Completed Winterflood deal and agreed to sell custody arm WBS. |
| Oct 22 | Valcourt acquisition | Positive | +0.3% | Agreed to acquire Valcourt SA, adding 700 clients and debt expertise. |
| Jul 25 | Winterflood agreement | Positive | -1.1% | Announced £103.9m Winterflood purchase to expand UK cash equities. |
| Jul 01 | FX acquisition | Positive | -0.8% | Completed Hamilton Court FX acquisition, adding 170 employees and FX reach. |
| Jun 05 | Agrinvest deal | Positive | +1.3% | Agreed to acquire Agrinvest Commodities, adding 1,300 clients in Brazil. |
Acquisition headlines have typically led to small, mixed price reactions clustered near flat.
Over the past months, Marex has used acquisitions to broaden its platform. Deals included Agrinvest Commodities in Brazil adding 1,300 clients and 100 employees, FX specialist Hamilton Court Group, and UK equity market maker Winterflood, plus a planned sale of Winterflood’s custody arm. Valcourt SA added 700 clients in fixed income. Today’s Webb Traders agreement continues this pattern of targeted acquisitions in market making and derivatives.
Historical Comparison
In past acquisition announcements, MRX moved about 0.1% on average. Today’s -0.3% move is slightly weaker but still broadly in line with its usual muted reaction.
Acquisitions have expanded Marex across asset classes and regions: Agrinvest in Brazilian commodities, Hamilton Court in FX, Winterflood in UK equities, and Valcourt in European fixed income, showing a consistent diversification strategy.
Market Pulse Summary
This announcement continues Marex’s acquisition strategy, adding an equity derivatives market maker to strengthen options market making and electronic trading. It follows recent deals in commodities, FX, and fixed income, building out a broader multi-asset franchise. Key aspects to monitor include regulatory approval timing in 2026, integration of technology and teams, the impact on structured products hedging, and how management reports margin and revenue contributions from recent acquisitions over time.
Key Terms
equity derivatives financial
market maker financial
single stock options financial
hedging financial
structured products financial
AI-generated analysis. Not financial advice.
NEW YORK, Feb. 06, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Marex Group plc (‘Marex’ or the ‘Group’; NASDAQ: MRX), the diversified global financial services platform, today announces that it has agreed to acquire European equity derivatives market maker Webb Traders to enhance its market making capabilities.
Webb Traders has offices in Amsterdam and Paris and specialises in single stock options market making for European and US mid and large cap equities. The acquisition will bring to Marex a strong, technology led team of market makers, quants and developers, as well as electronic trading capabilities. Webb Traders' trading and risk management philosophy is fully aligned with Marex's approach.
The acquisition is expected to further enhance Marex’s established Equity Linked Structured Products platform allowing the Group to internalise hedging, enhance profit margins and provide better pricing for clients. The deal is subject to regulatory approval and is expected to close in the second or third quarter of 2026.
Ian Lowitt, Chief Executive Officer of Marex, commented: “We are excited to welcome the team from Webb Traders to Marex. They have built an incredibly talented team supported by excellent technology, which will enhance our equity derivatives capabilities. They have a prudent approach to risk and have been profitable across a range of market environments, which, combined with the ability to internalise some hedging costs, will be beneficial to Marex.”
Forward-Looking Statements:
This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. All statements contained in this press release that do not relate to matters of historical fact should be considered forward-looking statements, including the expected acquisition of Winterflood Securities and the closing of the transaction as well as expected benefits from the acquisition. In some cases, these forward-looking statements can be identified by words or phrases such as “may,” “will,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “aim,” “estimate,” “intend,” “plan,” “believe,” “potential,” “continue,” “is/are likely to” or other similar expressions.
These forward-looking statements are subject to risks, uncertainties and assumptions, some of which are beyond our control. In addition, these forward-looking statements reflect our current views with respect to future events and are not a guarantee of future performance. Actual outcomes may differ materially from the information contained in the forward-looking statements as a result of a number of factors, including, without limitation, the risks discussed under the caption “Risk Factors” in our Annual Report on Form 20-F for the year ended December 31, 2024, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) and our other reports filed with the SEC. The forward-looking statements made in this press release relate only to events or information as of the date on which the statements are made in this press release. Except as required by law, we undertake no obligation to update or revise publicly any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, after the date on which the statements are made or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events. In addition, statements that “we believe” and similar statements reflect our beliefs and opinions on the relevant subject. These statements are based upon information available to us as of the date of this press release, and while we believe such information forms a reasonable basis for such statements, such information may be limited or incomplete, and our statements should not be read to indicate that we have conducted an exhaustive inquiry into, or review of, all potentially available relevant information. These statements are inherently uncertain, and investors are cautioned not to unduly rely upon these statements.
About Marex:
Marex Group plc (NASDAQ: MRX) is a diversified global financial services platform providing essential liquidity, market access and infrastructure services to clients across energy, commodities and financial markets. The Group provides comprehensive breadth and depth of coverage across four services: Clearing, Agency and Execution, Market Making and Hedging and Investment Solutions. It has a leading franchise in many major metals, energy and agricultural products, with access to 60 exchanges. The Group provides access to the world’s major commodity markets, covering a broad range of clients that include some of the largest commodity producers, consumers and traders, banks, hedge funds and asset managers. With more than 40 offices worldwide, the Group has over 2,400 employees across Europe, Asia and the Americas. For more information visit www.marex.com.
Enquiries please contact:
Marex: Nicola Ratchford / Adam Strachan
+44 778 654 8889 / +1 914 200 2508
nratchford@marex.com / astrachan@marex.com
FTI Consulting US / UK
+1 716 525 7239 / +44 7976870961
marex@fticonsulting.com
FAQ
What did Marex (MRX) announce about acquiring Webb Traders on February 6, 2026?
When is the Marex (MRX) acquisition of Webb Traders expected to close?
How will the Webb Traders deal affect Marex's (MRX) equity derivatives capabilities?
Does the Marex (MRX) transaction disclose financial terms or expected synergies?
What are the main risks for Marex (MRX) in the Webb Traders acquisition?
