MA Financial (ASX: MAF) share price halted amid 'significant acquisition'

The financial services company called for a trading halt today amid aquisition speculation.

| More on:

You’re reading a free article with opinions that may differ from The Motley Fool’s Premium Investing Services. Become a Motley Fool member today to get instant access to our top analyst recommendations, in-depth research, investing resources, and more. Learn More

The MA Financial Group Ltd (ASX: MAF) share price is frozen today after the company requested a trading halt.

Before the freeze, the MA Financial Group share price was trading at $8.45 apiece.

Let's take a look at what the company announced today.

an attractive woman gives a time out signal with her hands, holding them in a T shape, indicating a trading halt.

Image source: Getty Images

Why is the share price on ice?

MA Financial Group has been granted a trading halt pending a company announcement.

The update is expected to be noteable, with the company indicating it could involve a significant acquisition.

The Australian Financial Review reported MA Financial Group is in talks to takeover Finsure, which is owned by BNK Banking Corp Ltd (ASX: BBC).

BNK Banking Corp also went into a trading halt on Tuesday pending an announcement.

What is happening at MA Financial?

MA Financial has a significant market capitalisation of more than $1.3 billion.

The company, formerly known as Moelis Australia, offers corporate advisory, equity, and asset management solutions to clients.

In October, the company predicted its FY21 underlying earnings per share (EPS) will increase by 30 to 40% on the previous year.

The company has also recently acquired an iconic Adelaide city office building in partnership with Centuria Capital Limited (ASX: CNI).

MA Financial share price snap shot

In the last 12 months, the MA Financial share price has soared 68%, rallying 78% in the year to date.

Despite this, it's slipped 3.54% in the last month but gained 0.84% in the past week.

For perspective, the benchmark S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) has returned nearly 11% in the past year.

The Motley Fool Australia's parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Bruce Jackson.

More on Financial Shares

asx share price resignation represented by man kicking miniature man through the air
Financial Shares

Australian Ethical just dumped 1.6 million shares of this ASX 200 company. Here's why

Australian Ethical has made a major ESG call on this large business.

Read more »

two dogs, a golden one and a black one, together carry a stick in their mouths as the run side by side with contented, happy looks on their faces.
Broker Notes

2 ASX 200 shares to rocket from same booming industry: expert

Most sectors will struggle when the economy slows down, but maybe not this one.

Read more »

Woman looking at her smartphone and analysing share price.
Financial Shares

AMP shares drop then pop amid ex-dividend and delay of $225 million sale

The sale of Collimate Capital's domestic leg looks to be split in two amid regulatory delays.

Read more »

A man holds his hand under his chin as he concentrates on his laptop screen and reads about the ANZ share price
Dividend Investing

Why is the AMP share price sinking today?

In announcing its full year financial results, the AMP board declared a dividend payout for the first time since 2020.

Read more »

A woman shows her phone screen and points up.
Financial Shares

Hub24 share price up 9% on record half-year results and turbocharged dividend

The financial services provider is flying high today on the back of stellar results.

Read more »

Woman relaxing and using her Apple device
Financial Shares

For $1,000 in monthly passive income, buy 1,770 shares of this ASX 200 stock

This ASX blue chip could unlock enormous passive income for investors.

Read more »

Woman on her laptop thinking to herself.
Financial Shares

Are AMP shares finally cheap enough to buy following Thursday's 13% crash?

A return to dividend hasn't convinced this top broker.

Read more »

Man pointing at a blue rising share price graph.
Earnings Results

QBE share price leaps 10% amid explosive dividend growth

QBE boosted its final dividend payout by a whopping 58% from the prior year.

Read more »