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CHICAGO and NEW YORK – R.J. O’Brien & Associates (RJO), the United States’ oldest futures brokerage and clearing firm, announced a definitive agreement today to merge with StoneX Group Inc. (NASDAQ: SNEX). The transaction, pending regulatory approval and customary closing conditions, is set to conclude in the third quarter of this year. The merger is expected to form a leading futures commission merchant (FCM) in the U.S., enhancing its global financial market presence.
StoneX, a Fortune 100 company currently valued at $3.63 billion by market capitalization, operates on six continents. The company has demonstrated remarkable performance, with a 69.7% return over the past year according to InvestingPro data. RJO, privately owned with a global network, will integrate its businesses into StoneX. For detailed insights into StoneX’s valuation and growth metrics, investors can access the comprehensive Pro Research Report, available exclusively on InvestingPro. Sean O’Connor, StoneX’s Executive Vice-Chairman, highlighted the merger’s transformative nature, stating it would establish StoneX as a premier global derivatives clearing firm. With StoneX maintaining a healthy financial position (rated GOOD by InvestingPro’s Financial Health Score) and strong market momentum evidenced by a 31% price return over the past six months, he emphasized the combined capabilities in client service, market access, and risk management solutions.
Gerry Corcoran, RJO’s CEO, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership, emphasizing the historic futures industry presence and complementary strengths of both firms. Corcoran assured RJO’s clients of continued service quality and expanded product offerings post-merger. Bob O’Brien, Jr., representing RJO’s majority shareholders, endorsed the merger as a strategic move aligning with the company’s values and growth ambitions.
The O’Brien family, deeply rooted in RJO’s history, supports the merger, envisioning a strengthened legacy within the financial sector. John O’Brien, Jr., an RJO Board member, cited his father’s growth philosophy as consistent with the transaction’s objectives.
Advisory services for RJO are provided by Broadhaven Capital Partners, with Mayer Brown LLP as legal counsel. StoneX has made additional transaction details available on its website and will host a conference call to discuss the merger.
Based on a press release statement, this report outlines the merger’s key aspects, reflecting the potential impact on the futures trading industry without endorsing claims or speculating on future outcomes.
In other recent news, StoneX Group Inc. announced a significant acquisition deal, agreeing to acquire R.J. O’Brien & Associates for approximately $900 million. This strategic move, expected to close in the second half of 2025, includes cash and stock transactions and the assumption of RJO’s debt. The acquisition is projected to expand StoneX’s client base and increase its derivatives volume significantly. Additionally, StoneX has introduced a new shell egg futures contract to aid food industry stakeholders in managing price risks, reinforcing its commitment to innovation in risk management. In another development, StoneX has formed a strategic partnership with Bamboo Payment Systems to enhance cross-border payment solutions in Latin America, aiming to improve foreign exchange pricing and settlement reliability. The company has also entered into an agreement to acquire The Benchmark Company, enhancing its equity and debt capital market services. In terms of market analysis, William Blair has initiated coverage on StoneX with an Outperform rating, acknowledging its diversified services and potential for consistent growth. These recent developments highlight StoneX’s ongoing efforts to expand its market presence and service offerings.
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