Schwab to Acquire optionsXpress for $1.0B

The Charles Schwab Corporation

and optionsXpress Holdings, Inc.,

today announced they have signed a definitive agreement under which Schwab will acquire optionsXpress. Under the terms of the agreement, optionsXpress stockholders will receive 1.02 shares of Schwab stock for each share of optionsXpress stock. Based on Schwab's closing stock price as of March 18, 2011, the transaction values each optionsXpress share at $17.91, resulting in a total transaction value of approximately $1.0 billion. Both companies will initially retain their separate brand identities, while benefitting from significant synergies and capabilities across their complementary business lines. The deal is expected to close during the third quarter, subject to optionsXpress stockholder approval and regulatory approvals, along with customary closing conditions.