IAP.L Regulatory News (IAP)

ICAP plc agrees to acquire PLUS Stock Exchange plc

London, 18 May 2012 - ICAP plc, the world's leading interdealer broker, is pleased to announce that it has agreed to acquire PLUS Stock Exchange plc ("PLUS"), the smaller company equity exchange for £1 in cash subject to PLUS Markets Group plc shareholder consent and FSA approvals.

PLUS is one of only five RIEs (Recognised Investment Exchange) in the UK. It provides listing and quoting services to around 140 companies and generates revenue of approximately £3 million a year. However, the business is presently loss making.

ICAP is an experienced operator of regulated platforms running the world's largest electronic trading platforms for both FX (EBS) and fixed income (BrokerTec). It also operates 10 multilateral trading facilities (MTFs). In addition, ICAP already acts as a broker in exchange products and is a full member of the world's largest exchanges.

As the world's leading interdealer broker for the wholesale financial markets in both voice broking and electronic trading, ICAP is well positioned to leverage PLUS' exchange status to offer new products and solutions for its customers including, in time, listed derivatives. ICAP is fully committed to continue supporting and expanding the equities listings venue which provides growth capital for smaller companies as well as exploring other possibilities.

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About ICAP

ICAP is the world's leading interdealer broker and provider of post trade risk and information services. The Group matches buyers and sellers in the wholesale markets in interest rates, credit, commodities, FX, emerging markets and equity derivatives through voice and electronic networks. Through our post trade risk and information services we help our customers manage and mitigate risks in their portfolios. For more information go to www.icap.com.