R.J. O’Brien to Merge with StoneX Group, Reinforcing Their Market Presence

Deal News | Apr 14, 2025 | EIN

R.J. O’Brien to Merge with StoneX Group, Reinforcing Their Market Presence

R.J. O'Brien & Associates (RJO), the oldest futures brokerage and clearing firm in the United States, has entered into a definitive agreement to merge with StoneX Group Inc., a Fortune 100 company, pending regulatory approvals. The merger aims to solidify their position as leading futures commission merchants, with RJO's global businesses merging into StoneX. The transaction is anticipated to close in the third quarter of this year, enhancing the firms' roles in the financial market structure. StoneX emphasizes the transformational nature of the deal, which will integrate RJO's client network and clearing capabilities with StoneX's liquidity and risk management infrastructure. Gerry Corcoran, RJO's CEO, will continue in a senior leadership role at StoneX. The move is supported by the O'Brien family, who view the merger as a step to maintain the firm's legacy while competing in the evolving financial landscape. Broadhaven Capital Partners and Mayer Brown LLP are advising RJO.

Sectors

  • Financial Services
  • Capital Markets

Geography

  • United States – R.J. O'Brien is based in the United States, and the merger could have substantial implications for the U.S. futures market.
  • Global – StoneX Group operates on six continents, and the merger has international implications.

Industry

  • Financial Services – The transaction involves key players in the futures brokerage and clearing market, which is a key part of the financial services sector.
  • Capital Markets – Both R.J. O'Brien and StoneX Group are active participants in the capital markets, mainly in derivatives and futures trading.

Financials

  • Over $3.5 billion – Market capitalization of StoneX Group.

Participants

NameRoleTypeDescription
R.J. O'Brien & AssociatesTarget companyCompanyThe oldest futures brokerage and clearing firm in the U.S., with operations in multiple continents.
StoneX Group Inc.Bidding companyCompanyA Fortune 100 company with a substantial market presence across six continents.
Broadhaven Capital PartnersFinancial AdvisorCompanyServes as the exclusive financial advisor to R.J. O'Brien in the transaction.
Mayer Brown LLPLegal AdvisorCompanyProvides legal advisory services to R.J. O'Brien for the transaction.
Gerry CorcoranCEO of R.J. O'BrienPersonCEO who will continue in a senior leadership role at StoneX post-merger.
Sean O'ConnorExecutive Vice-Chairman of StoneXPersonExecutive Vice-Chairman involved in the strategic merging process.
Bob O'Brien, Jr.Board MemberPersonMember of the O'Brien family, majority shareholders of R.J. O'Brien, encouraging the merger.
John O'Brien, Jr.Board MemberPersonBoard member discussing the firm’s history and support for the merger.