Energy and commodities markets trading business Lacima has caught the eye of the European Energy Exchange (EEX), which is owned by the Deutsche Borse.
Lacima sells technology solutions for trading and risk management to participants in the energy and commodity markets. It aims to support customers in making trading decisions via pre-trade analyses, structuring and valuation.
The EEX, which has agreed to buy Lacima in whole, said all Lacima senior executives would continue in full-time roles and are committed long-term. Lacima would also keep its offices in Sydney, London and Denver.
EEX chief executive Peter Reitz said the acquistion would extend EEX’s offering to a range of pre- and post-trade services in the global commodity markets, while also giving it a foothold in Asia Pacific.
The European Energy Exchange offers contracts for energy, environmental, freight, metals, natural gas and agricultural. It also provides registry services. EEX is a part of the Deutsche Borse via EEX Group, which includes other commodity market businesses.
Lacima was founded by Dr Chris Strickland and Dr Clewlow. Both have advised companies on things like energy valuation and risk management. Together they have also penned tomes on the subjects.
“We feel that EEX is the perfect partner to fulfill Lacima’s strong growth ambitions. Our recognised innovative analytics capabilities perfectly align with EEX’s global energy and commodities client base who all need to perform pre-trade analysis and post trade risk management,” Strickland said.
“Our analytics, together with EEX’s market offerings, will lead to significant opportunities for both organisations. This deal will also benefit our existing customers who will continue to be serviced by a familiar, but stronger, Lacima. We are incredibly excited about the future with EEX and look forward to working with the team.“
The transaction was expected to complete in January.
Lacima was advised by Latimer Partners.
by Anthony Macdonald, Yolanda Redrup and Kanika Sood
Originally Published by AFR