ICE Plans Majority Stake in Dutch Clearer

ICE currently operates five clearing houses crossing a number of continents. The acquisition of a majority stake in HCH will represent its first mainland European clearing presence. HCH, based in Amsterdam, Netherlands, is currently the primary clearer for alternative trading system The Order Machine (TOM), owned by a consortium of firms including ABN Amro, which will retain a minority interest in HCH.

"We are excited to welcome ICE as a new shareholder, and together with ICE we will continue to service TOM and our clearing participants competitively," says Joost Beckers, CEO of HCH. "The support of ICE will add to HCH's strengths, and through robust and efficient services, HCH is well positioned for growth."

ICE has demonstrated an acquisitive streak of late, starting with its banner purchase of NYSE Euronext several years ago, and more recently Algo Technologies and SuperDerivatives. Terms of the deal were not disclosed.