Nasdaq OMX Adds Surveillance Offering with Smarts Acquisition

Global exchange operator and platform provider Nasdaq OMX has expanded its portfolio of exchange offerings with the planned acquisition of market surveillance system vendor Smarts Group, officials from both organizations announced today.

Under the terms of the deal, which is expected to conclude later this quarter, Nasdaq OMX will acquire all of the shares of the privately held Australian vendor for an undisclosed sum.

Currently, Smarts' clientele includes over 30 exchanges and regulatory bodies as well as 50 brokerages based in more than 30 countries.

"The acquisition of Smarts is a strategic fit with Nasdaq OMX's commercial technology business," says Anna Ewing, CIO of Nasdaq OMX. "Efficient surveillance operations are imperative to ensure integrity in today's financial markets, and Smarts allows us to capitalize on the growing demand for surveillance technology products in exchange regulator, and broker markets worldwide."