Bats, Direct Edge Receive SEC Merger Approval

The companies say that they expect the transaction to close within days. The SEC approval was the final barrier to the two companies combining. Under the new management structure, Bats CEO Joe Ratterman will remain in his post, while Direct Edge CEO William O'Brien will become president of the new entity.
"We are pleased to reach this important milestone and look forward to leveraging the best-in-class offerings and unique resources from both organizations as we continue to work in partnership with our customers," says O'Brien.
Headquartered in Kansas City, Mo., the new firm will operate four US equities markets currently run by the two companies ─ EDGA, EDGX, BZX and BYX. Direct Edge's exchange technology will transition to Bats's platform.
The two firms originally announced their intention to merge in August. Direct Edge's O'Brien discussed future plans at the time with Waters here.
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