ICE · 8-K · 20261029PR119880

Acquisition / Partnership / Divestiture

Intercontinental Exchange, Inc. · 2026-10-29 · Importance 65 · Surprise 60

ICE’s acquisition of MarketAxess Holdings Inc. received early termination of the Hart-Scott-Rodino waiting period on October 21, 2026. The release said the merger remained subject to customary closing conditions and other required regulatory approvals. ICE expected the merger to close in the first quarter of 2027, earlier than the previously announced first-half 2027 timeline. Management linked the post-closing period to a deleveraging plan; the release did not provide a transaction value.

Key facts

• Following HSR Act approval, ICE expected its MarketAxess merger to close in 1Q27, ahead of the first-half 2027 timeline announced in July. source
• On October 21, 2026, the DOJ and FTC granted early termination of the HSR Act waiting period, satisfying the HSR Act condition for ICE’s acquisition of MarketAxess Holdings Inc. source
• ICE’s MarketAxess merger remained subject to customary closing conditions and approvals and receipt of other required regulatory approvals. source