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MF Global Acquires Washington Research Group from Concept Capital

^{Published on 2010-10-26 13:15:46 - Market Wire}
 

NEW YORK--([ BUSINESS WIRE ])--MF Global Holdings Ltd. (NYSE: MF), a leading commodities broker-dealer offering trading and hedging solutions across a broad set of asset classes,today announced that it has entered an agreement to acquire Washington Research Group (WRG), a Washington, D.C.-based, policy-focused investment research firm that provides leading institutional equity investors with insights and analysis on the impact of government policy on investment opportunities. MF Global expects this transaction to be accretive within the next 12 months.

"We are excited to be joining MF Global at such an important time in the companya™s transformation"

This acquisition is part of the client-driven, strategic expansion of MF Globala™s U.S. Equity business. In addition to meeting client demand for critical insight on the implications of public policy on the financial markets, this acquisition provides the foundation for MF Global to expand its core equities research offering in the United States, as well as extend this offering to the firma™s global clientele.

aThe impact of regulatory reform and government policy on investment decisions has never been greater,a said Jon S. Corzine, chairman and chief executive officer, MF Global. aThis acquisition presents a compelling opportunity to leverage WRGa™s experience and expertise on policy matters across a broad cross section of market segments. Their relationships and insightful analysis, coupled with our global equities platform and research offerings in Europe, Asia and India, will serve as a framework to expand our core equities research offering in the U.S. as we help clients navigate the evolving regulatory environment and capture opportunity inherent in todaya™s markets.a

Founded 35 years ago, WRG is a 17-member policy analyst team that covers a broad range of sectors including health care, financial services, defense, national security, international trade, media/telecommunications, agribusiness, biofuels, tobacco and corporate tax. The firma™s clients include some of the largest institutional investors in the world. WRGa™s research team has consistently ranked in the top three groups for Macro/Washington research in Institutional Investor magazine's All-American Research Team poll.

aThis transaction further demonstrates MF Globala™s commitment to delivering objective insight and analysis of the global financial markets,a said Peter Forlenza, global head of equities for MF Global. aThe addition of WRG will enhance the value proposition MF Global delivers to clients and facilitate our firma™s transition toward a full-service broker-dealer. The transaction will serve as a springboard to expand our global research portfolio, extend our product offerings to top institutional clientele and further differentiate our equities business.a

aWe are excited to be joining MF Global at such an important time in the companya™s transformation,a said Ed Garlich, managing director, WRG. aWe believe the integration will be seamless, as our product offering complements the companya™s strategy and vision. More importantly, we share a common set of values premised on independence, client focus and commitment to delivering quality market insights.a

WRGa™s research, sales and trading staff will become part of MF Globala™s global equities group, which provides equity research andbrokerage services for listed equity derivative products and cash equities. WRGa™s research team is based in Washington, D.C. and has sales and trading staff located in New York, Chicago and Boston.

About MF Global

MF Global Holdings Ltd. (NYSE: MF), a broker-dealer in derivatives and cash markets, provides market participants with trading and hedging solutions. Building on a history that extends more than 225 years, MF Global is a leader in providing institutional and retail clients with access to the worlda™s commodities and financial futures markets as well as to fixed income, equities and foreign exchange markets. The firm offers its global client base actionable market insight and expertise as well as access to deep liquidity. MF Global provides access to more than 70 exchanges and is a leader by volume on many of the largest derivatives exchanges around the world. For more information, please visit[ http://www.mfglobal.com ].

About Washington Research Group

Washington Research Group, founded 35 years ago, is a 17-member policy analyst team providing institutional investors with insights about the impact of Washington policy on their investment decisions. The team aims to be the professional investor's "one stop shop" for all things Washington, and its clients include some of the largest mutual funds and hedge funds in the country. The team covers a broad range of sectors, including health care, financial services, defense, national security, international trade, media/telecommunications, agribusiness, biofuels, tobacco, and corporate tax. The team has consistently ranked in the top three groups for Macro/Washington research in Institutional Investor magazine's All-American Research Team poll.

Forward-Looking Statements

SAFE HARBOR STATEMENT UNDER THE PRIVATE SECURITIES LITIGATION REFORM ACT OF 1995: Forward-looking statements in this press release, including statements relating to the Companya™s future revenues and earnings, plans, strategies, objectives, expectations and intentions, are made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Investors are cautioned that such forward-looking statements are inherently subject to risks and uncertainties, many of which cannot be predicted with accuracy, and some of which might not be anticipated. We caution you not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements. We refer you to the Companya™s latest Annual Report on Form 10-K and Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q on file with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), and any amendments thereto, for a description of the risks and uncertainties the Company faces.