Deutsche Börse Group has reached an agreement to acquire the remaining 20% minority stake in ISS STOXX from the global investor General Atlantic. This transaction marks the final step in a strategic partnership that began with the acquisition of Axioma in 2019 and the subsequent integration of ISS’s ESG solutions with the STOXX index business in 2023. By moving to full ownership, Deutsche Börse aims to simplify its growth strategy and enhance market connectivity for its data, analytics, and index offerings.
The total purchase price of approximately €1.1 billion is based on a pre-agreed valuation of roughly 20 times the adjusted EBITDA of ISS STOXX. The payment will be structured in two tranches, with €731 million due in February 2026 and the balance payable in March 2026. Deutsche Börse intends to fund the buyout using existing cash and debt financing. Despite the significant investment, the group expects to maintain its AA- long-term credit rating and anticipates a low single-digit increase in cash earnings per share during the first year of full ownership.
General Atlantic’s exit is expected to be finalised by the end of March 2026, fulfilling a dual-track agreement that allowed for a private sale in the absence of an IPO. To maintain market integrity, Deutsche Börse has confirmed that ISS’s research and advisory services will continue to function under existing non-interference policies. This acquisition reinforces the Group’s focus on providing mission-critical tools for the buy-side while ensuring operational agility across its premier data brands.
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