Lehman Brothers, the global investment bank, has acquired Chicago-based Townsend Analytics, a premier software development and global service provider for the financial services industry that uses Microsoft technology for such well known products as RealTick.

"The acquisition of Townsend Analytics significantly enhances our franchise and demonstrates our commitment to delivering state-of-the-art electronic trading capabilities to our clients worldwide," said Bart McDade, global head of equities. RealTick provides a global, multi-broker, multi-asset, client-facing platform.

"The RealTick platform includes many services that will enhance the execution experience for our institutional, hedge fund, investment advisor, prime broker and clearing services clients," said Jeffrey S. Wecker, managing director and global head of electronic client services.

Stuart and MarrGwen Townsend, founders of Townsend Analytics, said they were confident that Lehman would preserve the platform.

"Since forming the company 20 years ago, we have remained committed to maintaining the highest level of service to distribution partners and preserving the integrity and confidentiality of their data and order flow," they said in a statement. Townsend will continue to operate from Chicago

www.lehman.com
www.taltrade.com