Deutsche Börse Closes Azdex Deal, Signals Intent in Reference Data

As we’ve previously reported (Reference Data Review, July 2005), Deutsche Börse has now closed the deal to acquire a 51% stake in Azdex, the business entity data and services supplier run by Ken Price. The deal highlights Deutsche Börse’s growing intention to become a player in the reference data space. Although the purchase price was not disclosed, the companies have stated, “the overall cash investment for Deutsche Börse is in the area of a single digit million figure and includes a contribution to the Azdex share capital”. The London Stock Exchange had previously entertained discussions about a similar deal for Azdex but this fell through some months ago. Azdex clients include Barclays Capital Services, Citigroup, Dresdner Kleinwort Wasserstein and Standard Bank. Price and co-founder Steve French retain the remaining 49%.