London, UK – 30 November 2006 – BGC, a leading inter-dealer brokerage firm providing integrated voice and electronic services to wholesale fixed income, interest rate, foreign exchange and derivatives markets worldwide, announced today the completion of its acquisition of Aurel Leven Securities (“Aurel Leven”), one of the longest established brokerage firms in France.
The acquisition of Aurel Leven is an important part of BGC’s fast-moving expansion in Europe and makes BGC, through this acquisition and its previous acquisition of ETC Pollak during 2005, the leading non-bank affiliated inter-dealer broker within the French market, whilst also marking BGC’s entry into the growing European equity market.
Since its creation in October 2004, having been spun-off from Cantor Fitzgerald, BGC has expanded through organic growth and selected acquisitions in Europe, Asia and the U.S. In 2004, BGC employed over 650 people. Total employees have now more than doubled to nearly 1600, including the staff at Aurel Leven.
Commenting on the acquisition, Shaun Lynn, President of BGC said, “We consider continental Europe a key area in our global expansion plans and are delighted with the completion of this acquisition. Aurel Leven will be an integral part of our future development and is the perfect complement to our existing business.”
“Aurel Leven is an excellent addition to our business in Europe and enables us to offer our existing and potential clients new opportunities through the multiple listed products and services that it provides.” said Jean-Pierre Aubin, BGC’s President for Continental Europe. “This cements BGC’s position as one of the leading and fastest growing brokerages in Europe and beyond.” he continued.
Jérôme Frank, Chief Executive Officer at Aurel Leven said, “This acquisition by BGC is ideal for the future growth and position of Aurel Leven. The company will be an important part of BGC’s increasing commitment to France and the wider European marketplace and we look forward to working together for the benefit of all our clients.”
BGC is headquartered in London. In the past two years it has opened offices in New York, Copenhagen, Milan, Nyon, Paris, Beijing, Hong Kong, Singapore, Tokyo and Sydney. Further expansion in Europe, Asia and other emerging markets is anticipated.
About BGC Partners, L.P.
BGC Partners is a leading inter-dealer broker, providing integrated voice and electronic services for wholesale market participants worldwide. BGC is active in the global fixed income, interest rate, foreign exchange and derivative markets, offering both telephone and screen-based price discovery, trade execution, straight-through processing and access to electronic trading services from eSpeed Inc. (Nasdaq: ESPD). The firm, named after fixed income trading innovator B. Gerald Cantor, has offices in London, New York, Copenhagen, Paris, Tokyo, Hong Kong, Singapore, Beijing, Nyon and Milan. To learn more, please visitwww.bgcpartners.com.
About Aurel Leven
Aurel Leven Securities, a leading independent brokerage firm in France, provides services within the European equity, fixed income and equity derivative markets to institutional, professional and corporate clients. Aurel Leven Securities is a member of ISMA, Euronext Liffe, and Eurex, and is a listing sponsor on the Alternext Market.
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Contact:
Adrian Thomas
Director of Communications
BGC Partners, London
Tel: + 44 (0)207 894 8647
Fabrice Baron
Gavin Anderson & Company, Paris
Tel: + 33 1 5332 6127