CMA Proposes ICE Sells Trayport Due to Acquisition Causing a Lessening of Competition
UK watchdog raises issue of potential “substantial lessening of competition” as a result of $650 million acquisition last year, suggests “complete divestiture” as possible remedy.

ICE's acquisition of the UK-based platform from BGC Partners was finalized in December last year for $650 million; however an inquiry into the deal was opened by the CMA in January and then referred for an "in-depth" investigation in May by an independent panel.
Outlining its findings, the CMA raised concerns over a potential lessening of competition as a direct result of the acquisition, stating that "not only traders, but also the brokers, exchanges and clearinghouses that compete with ICE depend on the Trayport platform to carry out their energy trading activities effectively."
The ultimate concern of the CMA is the possibility of ICE diverting trades to its own platforms, as well as increasing fees for execution and clearing, and worsening terms offered to traders. As a result, one potential remedy proposed by the authority is for ICE to completely divest its ownership of Trayport.
"We examined the merger's competition risks and given the high level of dependence of market participants on Trayport's integrated software offering, we provisionally concluded that the merged entity would have the ability and incentive to harm ICE's main rivals' ability to compete effectively," said Simon Polito, chair of the CMA inquiry, in a statement. "This could lead to higher prices, a general worsening of terms and less innovative trading solutions offered to traders in wholesale energy markets."
Only users who have a paid subscription or are part of a corporate subscription are able to print or copy content.
To access these options, along with all other subscription benefits, please contact info@waterstechnology.com or view our subscription options here: https://subscriptions.waterstechnology.com/subscribe
You are currently unable to print this content. Please contact info@waterstechnology.com to find out more.
You are currently unable to copy this content. Please contact info@waterstechnology.com to find out more.
Copyright Infopro Digital Limited. All rights reserved.
As outlined in our terms and conditions, https://www.infopro-digital.com/terms-and-conditions/subscriptions/ (point 2.4), printing is limited to a single copy.
If you would like to purchase additional rights please email info@waterstechnology.com
Copyright Infopro Digital Limited. All rights reserved.
You may share this content using our article tools. As outlined in our terms and conditions, https://www.infopro-digital.com/terms-and-conditions/subscriptions/ (clause 2.4), an Authorised User may only make one copy of the materials for their own personal use. You must also comply with the restrictions in clause 2.5.
If you would like to purchase additional rights please email info@waterstechnology.com
More on Regulation
Asic probe piles pressure on ASX to deliver Chess replacement
But market insiders think late intervention by regulators could even slow down implementation.
Stakes raised for UK bond, EU derivatives tapes after Ediphy clinches win
The pressure is on for TransFICC, Etrading, Finbourne, and Propellant Digital, who are still vying to provide the UK’s fixed income consolidated tape after Esma awarded the EU’s tape to Ediphy and its partners.
Doing a deal? Prioritize info security early
Engaging information security teams early in licensing deals can deliver better results and catch potential issues. Neglecting them can cause delays and disruption, writes Devexperts’ Heetesh Rawal in this op-ed.
SEC pulls rulemaking proposals in bid for course correction
The regulator withdrew 14 Gensler-era proposals, including the controversial predictive data analytics proposal.
Trading venues seen as easiest targets for Esma supervision
Platforms do not pose systemic risks for member states and are already subject to consistent rules.
The Consolidated Audit Trail faces an uncertain fate—yet again
Waters Wrap: The CAT is up and running, but with a conservative SEC in place and renewed pressure from politicians and exchanges, Anthony says the controversial database faces a death by a thousand cuts.
Exchanges plead with SEC to trim CAT reporting requirements
Letters from Cboe, Nasdaq and NYSE ask that the new Atkins administration reduce the amount of data required for the Consolidated Audit Trail, and scrap options data collection entirely.
EU banks want the cloud closer to home amid tariff wars
Fears over US executive orders have prompted new approaches to critical third-party risk management.