LSEG raises growth guidance and agrees $3.54 billion Octus acquisition

London Stock Exchange Group ($LSEG) raised its full-year 2026 organic constant-currency income-growth outlook to at least 8.0%, from 7.0–7.5%, after third-quarter 2026 income excluding recoveries increased 8.8% on that basis to £2.41 billion. It now expects adjusted EBITDA margin expansion of 100–120 basis points and equity free cash flow of at least £2.8 billion, strengthening the earnings and cash-generation outlook.

In a separate announcement, LSEG agreed to acquire credit-intelligence provider Octus from Permira and management for $3.535 billion in cash, financed with external debt. Closing is expected in the first half of 2027, subject to regulatory approvals. Octus is expected to generate more than $300 million of 2026 revenue at an approximately 40% EBITDA margin. LSEG expects the acquisition to be neutral to adjusted earnings per share in its first full year and accretive thereafter.

Sources:

• lseg.com
• RNS via Investegate
• RNS via Investegate — announcement index