Interactive Data Corp., a leading global provider of securities pricing, financial information and analytic tools to investors and an affiliate of the Financial Times of London, announced Wednesday it has signed an asset purchase agreement to acquire FutureSource, LLC and its subsidiaries for $18 million in cash.

FutureSource, headquartered in Lombard, IL, is a privately-held leader in the real-time futures (including natural gas), commodities and foreign exchange markets. The acquisition is expected to close during the third quarter of 2004, subject to customary closing conditions, including various governmental approvals.

With sales and support offices throughout the United States, Europe, Australia and Latin America, FutureSource provides traders, brokers and risk managers with comprehensive futures, options and cash price data, news, and charting analysis tools through a series of networked, stand-alone and Internet delivery platforms and software applications. The company employs approximately 135 people worldwide.

“The acquisition of FutureSource will further enhance, expand and complement our eSignal division,” stated Stuart Clark, president of Interactive Data, with growth opportunities as a business and information provider to the futures brokerage industry. FutureSource customers will gain the opportunity to add content from the Interactive Data family, such as global equities and historical data from ComStock. eSignal is based in Hayward, CA.

Pearson plc of London, an international media company whose businesses include the Financial Times Group, owns approximately 60% of the outstanding common stock of Interactive Data Corp., which is based in Bedford, MA.

Interactive Data said it will gain 5,000 global customers utilizing 6,500 terminals for its eSignal division.

FutureSource generated revenue of approximately $20.2 million in 2003 with cost of services, and selling, general and administrative expenses totaled approximately $18.1 million. Assuming the transaction closes during the third quarter, Interactive Data anticipates that the transaction will be earnings neutral in 2004 and, through a combination of planned revenue growth and operational synergies, accretive to earnings by the end of 2005.

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