CME Group, the world's leading and most diverse derivatives marketplace, announced Wednesday, that they have signed a definitive agreement with the Kansas City Board of Trade, the leading futures market for hard red winter wheat, under which CME Group will acquire the KCBT.

KCBT board unanimously approved the transaction; sale is expected to close later this year pending KCBT shareholder, regulatory approval

Under the terms of the transaction, CME Group will pay $126 million in cash for KCBT. In addition, KCBT will make a special distribution of excess cash to members concurrent with closing. CME Group has committed to maintain a committee made up of KCBT market participants to advise on HRW wheat contract terms and conditions for at least three years, and to maintain the historic KCBT trading floor in Kansas City for a period of at least six months. 

"Global agricultural market participants continue to depend on liquid, transparent risk management tools for price discovery in both established and emerging economies," said CME Group Executive Chairman and President Terry Duffy. "Building on two rich legacies, the combination of KCBT Hard Red Winter Wheat products with our deep and liquid CBOT Soft Red Winter Wheat futures and options markets will provide new trading opportunities for market participants around the world – both on the trading floor and on the screen."

"This transaction creates significant value for customers and shareholders of both companies. While the CBOT and KCBT Wheat contracts are very distinct products with different uses, the ability for producers and commercial participants to hedge their risk in both key benchmarks in one place will produce cross-margining benefits and other capital efficiencies," said CME Group CEO Phupinder Gill. "In addition, product development opportunities here are great for both of our client bases – not only in futures, but also in options that can help market participants manage risk at a reduced cost during targeted timeframes in the crop year."

"Given the increasing operational demands and regulatory requirements, it was deemed beneficial that the KCBT partner with an exchange with the technology, experience, leadership and resources of CME Group," said Steven K. Campbell, KCBT Chairman. "KCBT's flagship HRW wheat product is a logical and valuable addition to CME Group's global grains complex. After considering a number of qualified interested parties, the KCBT's Board of Directors is convinced that the CME Group is the best fit for the long-term goals of our exchange, our product offerings, and in continuing to meet the price/risk management needs of our customers."

"Throughout KCBT's 156-year history, trading has evolved dramatically, with an increasing emphasis on technology in recent years," said Jeff Borchardt, KCBT President and CEO.  "CME Group's position as a global leader in electronic trading access and capability makes them an ideal partner for the future of KCBT's HRW wheat contract, the global benchmark for bread wheat."

The board of directors of KCBT unanimously approved the transaction, which is expected to close later this year pending approval by KCBT shareholders and regulators, expiration of the applicable Hart-Scott-Rodino waiting period and completion of customary closing conditions.

The addition of HRW wheat upon completion of the transaction will further enhance CME Group's already broad agricultural product offering. HRW wheat is the predominant variety grown in the United States, and is also the leading variety sold through export. Customers around the globe will continue to benefit from access to underlying CBOT and KCBT wheat contracts through the CME Globex electronic trading platform.

KCBT was advised on the transaction by George K. Baum Capital Advisors and the law firm of Husch Blackwell.  CME was advised by the law firm of Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom.