AQX Aquis Exchange Plc

17 February 2025

Aquis Exchange PLC

("Aquis", the "Company" or the "Group")

Directorate Change

Aquis, the creator and facilitator of next generation financial markets, announces that Chief Executive, Alasdair Haynes, has informed the Board of his decision to step back from the day-to-day running of the business for health reasons, and will assume the role of President of the Group, effective immediately.   

Aquis' Chief Operating Officer, David Stevens, will assume the role of Chief Executive Officer and will be appointed as a Director of the Company, subject to regulatory approval. David joined Aquis in 2020 as Chief Revenue Officer, was previously the CEO of foreign exchange broker Global Reach Group and has held senior positions at Investment Technology Group and JP Morgan after beginning his career at Goldman Sachs.

Aquis' Chief Financial Officer, Richard Fisher, will assume the joint responsibilities of both Chief Financial Officer and Chief Operating Officer.

Both David and Richard have been instrumental members of the Aquis management team for several years, and an orderly transition is ensured.

In his new role as President, Alasdair will remain a Director of the Company, act as senior counsel to the management team, support with strategic evolution and continue to be an ambassador of the Group. In addition, he will continue as Head of the Aquis Stock Exchange division. 

Alasdair Haynes, President of the Group, commented, "It has been a privilege and joy to have founded and led Aquis over the past 12 years, and I could not be more proud of the business that we have built. We have come an incredibly long way since launching as a start-up subscription-based exchange, and today consider ourselves a leading multi-product European exchange group.

"It is always hard for a founder to step back but, for health reasons, now is the right time for me to transition to a new role, where I can continue to make a meaningful impact. I have an outstanding management team which, led by CEO David Stevens, will continue to elevate Aquis to new heights. I have worked alongside David for many years - the past four of them at Aquis - and have full faith in his ability to capitalise on the many opportunities ahead for our Group, including those associated with SIX Exchange Group's offer. I am delighted to remain actively involved in steering the Group and its strategy in my new role as President."

Deirdre Somers, Chair, said, "Alasdair has been truly instrumental in Aquis' success over the past 12 years. The Group has benefited immensely from his guidance, as well as his unending enthusiasm and creativity. I am pleased that we will continue to have the benefit of Alasdair's input and vision in his new role as President."

David Stevens, CEO, said, "The future ahead for Aquis is incredibly bright, with many opportunities available to us.  I am looking forward to guiding Aquis through the coming months and beyond. The Group has an incredibly strong leadership team, including CFO and now, COO Richard Fisher who has been an integral part of Aquis' management for the past four years, along with an exceptional cohort of employees who work tirelessly every day to deliver on our vision of creating and facilitating better markets for a modern economy."    

These directorate changes do not impact the cash offer for the Company by SIX Exchange Group AG to be implemented by way of a court-sanctioned scheme of arrangement under Part 26 of the Companies Act (the "SIX Offer"). As detailed in the announcement published on 20 December 2024, the requisite majorities of shareholders have already voted in favour of the SIX Offer. Subject to the satisfaction (or waiver, where applicable) of the outstanding conditions to the SIX Offer, the SIX Offer remains expected to complete in Q2 2025.

In accordance with Schedule 2(g) of the AIM Rules for Companies, David James Stevens is 58 years old. As at the date of this announcement David Stevens holds 21,628 ordinary shares in the Company.

No further information is required to be disclosed pursuant to paragraph (g) of Schedule 2 of the AIM Rules.

ENDS

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About Aquis Exchange PLC

Aquis Exchange PLC ("Aquis") is Europe's challenger exchange, creating better markets for a modern economy. Aquis has market-leading technology and innovative rules for trading, and offer primary listings and secondary trading of equities, along with global licensing of proprietary technology.

Aquis consists of four divisions:

Aquis Markets operates lit and dark order books, covering 16 European markets. For its lit books, Aquis uses a subscription pricing model which works by charging users according to the message traffic they generate, rather than a percentage of the value of each stock that they trade.

Aquis Technologies is the software and technology division of Aquis. It focuses on building better markets via the creation and licensing of cutting-edge, cost-effective exchange infrastructure technology and services, including matching engine and trade surveillance solutions.

Aquis Stock Exchange (AQSE) is a stock market providing primary and secondary markets for equity and debt products. It is authorised as a Recognised Investment Exchange, which allows it to operate a regulated listings venue. The AQSE Growth Market is divided into two segments 'Access' and 'Apex'; the Access market focuses on earlier stage growth companies, while Apex is the intended market for larger, more established businesses.

Aquis Data generates revenue from the sale of data derived from Aquis Markets and Aquis Stock Exchange to market participants.

Aquis is authorised and regulated by the UK Financial Conduct Authority and France's Autorité de contrôle prudentiel et de résolution and L'Autorité des marchés financiers to operate Multilateral Trading Facility businesses in the UK & Switzerland markets and in EU27 markets respectively. Aquis Exchange PLC is quoted on the Aquis Stock Exchange and on the AIM Market (AIM) of the LSE. For more information, please go to www.aquis.eu.