AQX Aquis Exchange Plc

19 November 2024

Aquis Exchange PLC

("Aquis", the "Company" or the "Group")

Directorate Change

Aquis Exchange PLC announces that Glenn Collinson has decided to step down as Chair and as Director of Aquis with immediate effect for personal reasons.

The Company is pleased to announce that Deirdre Somers, Independent Non-Executive Director, has been appointed as Non-Executive Chair, retaining her positions on the Audit, Risk & Compliance Committee and Nominations and Remuneration Committee. Ms Somers has substantial industry experience, having formerly worked as CEO of the Irish Stock Exchange, including during its sale to Euronext in 2018.

Mr Collinson has indicated that he wishes to pursue other interests in the technology sector, and the announcement on 11 November 2024 of a recommended cash offer from SIX Exchange Group AG ("SIX") to acquire Aquis (the "SIX Offer") provides an appropriate opportunity for him to hand over to Ms Somers in view of her relevant experience and skills.  Mr Collinson remains fully supportive of the SIX Offer and continues to believe that its terms are fair and reasonable. Mr Collinson's irrevocable undertaking in relation to the SIX Offer remains in full force and effect. 

Glenn Collinson said "It has been a pleasure working with the Aquis team and seeing the successful development of the business, culminating in the announcement of the SIX Offer, which is an excellent outcome for Aquis and its shareholders.  I'm confident that Aquis will continue to go from strength to strength."

Deirdre Somers said "I am delighted to succeed Glenn as Chair of Aquis, at an exciting moment for the business following the announcement of the proposed combination with SIX. I look forward to working with Alasdair and the board to progress the transaction which presents a compelling opportunity to accelerate the development of our business on the European stage."

Alasdair Haynes, CEO of Aquis, commented "I would like to thank Glenn for his leadership and guidance as our Chair for the last three years and wish him all the best in his future endeavours. I look forward to working closely with Deirdre and drawing on her experience as we pursue the exciting opportunities ahead of us."

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About Aquis Exchange PLC

Aquis Exchange PLC ("Aquis") is Europe's challenger exchange, creating better markets for a modern economy. Aquis has market-leading technology and innovative rules for trading, and offer primary listings and secondary trading of equities, along with global licensing of proprietary technology.

Aquis consists of four divisions:

Aquis Markets operates lit and dark order books, covering 16 European markets. For its lit books, Aquis uses a subscription pricing model which works by charging users according to the message traffic they generate, rather than a percentage of the value of each stock that they trade.

Aquis Technologies is the software and technology division of Aquis. It focuses on building better markets via the creation and licensing of cutting-edge, cost-effective exchange infrastructure technology and services, including matching engine and trade surveillance solutions.

Aquis Stock Exchange (AQSE) is a stock market providing primary and secondary markets for equity and debt products. It is authorised as a Recognised Investment Exchange, which allows it to operate a regulated listings venue. The AQSE Growth Market is divided into two segments 'Access' and 'Apex'; the Access market focuses on earlier stage growth companies, while Apex is the intended market for larger, more established businesses.

Aquis Data generates revenue from the sale of data derived from Aquis Markets and Aquis Stock Exchange to market participants.

Aquis is authorised and regulated by the UK Financial Conduct Authority and France's Autorité de contrôle prudentiel et de résolution and L'Autorité des marchés financiers to operate Multilateral Trading Facility businesses in the UK & Switzerland markets and in EU27 markets respectively. Aquis Exchange PLC is quoted on the Aquis Stock Exchange and on the AIM Market (AIM) of the LSE. For more information, please go to www.aquis.eu.