"Aquis intends to provide a single connection for accessing various trading platforms"
In a significant move to consolidate its position in European exchange infrastructure, SIX Group, a Swiss and Spanish financial market infrastructure, has completed its acquisition of Aquis, a UK-based stock exchange, in July 2025 [1]. This strategic merger aims to create a leading pan-European exchange group, positioning SIX as the only exchange operator providing listing venues across all major European financial centres, including Switzerland, the EU, and the UK [2][3].
The acquisition is fundamentally aimed at delivering a seamless, unified trading experience, encapsulated as “One Plug, Multiple Trading Venues”—a single connection for clients to access multiple markets, thereby simplifying and enhancing market access for participants [1][2][3].
Key expected benefits of this merger include expanded market reach and share, enhanced liquidity and market access, technology and innovation, growth opportunities, and continuity and independence.
**Expanded Market Reach and Share**
The combined entity boasts a 15% market share in European trading venues and access to 16 capital markets across Europe, solidifying SIX’s position as a major exchange operator [1][2][3]. SIX will now offer listing venues in all major European financial centres, expanding its footprint beyond Switzerland and Spain, into the UK and EU markets [2][3].
**Enhanced Liquidity and Market Access**
Clients can access liquidity across multiple venues using a single connection, improving trading opportunities and price formation [1][2][3]. The “One Plug” approach reduces operational complexity, making it easier for clients to navigate diverse markets without multiple interfaces or technical integrations [1][2][3].
**Technology and Innovation**
SIX plans to deploy Aquis’ next-generation trading technology, leveraging Aquis’ innovation to spark new ideas and efficiencies in capital markets [1][3]. The combined technological and operational expertise of both groups aims to drive innovation and deliver new, sophisticated trading solutions [1][2][3].
**Growth Opportunities**
The acquisition unlocks new revenue opportunities by combining SIX’s multi-asset capabilities with Aquis’ focus on high-growth companies, particularly in the UK [2][3]. Aquis will continue to specialize in tailored listings for UK high-growth companies, now backed by SIX’s extensive European infrastructure, potentially making it a preferred venue for growth-oriented firms [1][3].
**Continuity and Independence**
Aquis will continue to operate under its own brand and management, preserving its culture and focus on innovation [1][3]. While maintaining independence, Aquis benefits from the resources, scale, and investment capacity of a major European exchange group, further accelerating its growth and impact [3].
Bjørn Sibbern, CEO of SIX, expressed his enthusiasm for the acquisition, stating, “With Aquis, we gain not only access to new markets but also the technology and expertise needed to drive innovation at scale. We aim to offer our clients a unified experience with ‘One Plug, Multiple Trading Venues’—a single connection providing access to Switzerland, Spain, and the UK—ensuring more liquidity, better market access, and innovative trading solutions.” [1][2][3]
David Stevens, CEO of Aquis, shared his excitement about the merger, stating, “Joining SIX is an exciting opportunity for Aquis and our clients. Aquis has achieved great momentum in our mission to challenge across European capital markets and we will be able to go further, faster, and stronger as part of SIX.” [1][3]
The acquisition represents a major consolidation in European exchange infrastructure, with the clear intent to streamline access, deepen liquidity, foster innovation, and capture new growth opportunities in a rapidly evolving financial landscape [1][2][3]. SIX aims to create a competitive pan-European listing venue, especially for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and growth companies.
- The merger between SIX Group and Aquis aims to establish a leading pan-European exchange group, positioning SIX as the only exchange operator providing listing venues across all major European financial centres, including Switzerland, the EU, and the UK.
- The "One Plug, Multiple Trading Venues" approach, gained through the acquisition, allows clients to access multiple markets using a single connection, simplifying and enhancing market access for participants.
- SIX's acquisition of Aquis will unlock new revenue opportunities by combining SIX's multi-asset capabilities with Aquis’ focus on high-growth companies, particularly in the UK.
- Aquis will continue to operate under its own brand and management, preserving its culture and focus on innovation, while benefiting from the resources, scale, and investment capacity of a major European exchange group.
