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:
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

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.

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

a man blown off his feet sideways hangs on with one hand to a lamp post with an inside out umbrella in his other hand as he is lashed by wind and rain with a grey cloudy sky background.
Financial Shares

Are QBE shares a buy after recent slump?

A rise in natural disasters can affect the insurer, but analysts see upside.

Read more »

A woman wearing a flowing red dress, poses dramatically on a beach with the sea in the background.
Bank Shares

Own Westpac shares? Here are the dividend dates for 2026

Westpac shares paid 153 cents per share in dividends in 2025 and are tipped to pay 155 cents in 2026.

Read more »

Two people shake hands making a deal about green energy.
Broker Notes

Does Macquarie rate AUB Group shares a buy after the deal fell through?

The AUB Group takeover deal is dead, but the business is very much alive, with Macquarie still seeing good value…

Read more »

Accountant woman counting an Australian money and using calculator for calculating dividend yield.
Financial Shares

Own AMP shares? Here's your financial calendar for 2026

Macquarie says the next catalyst for AMP shares will be the FY25 results on 12 February.

Read more »

Man putting in a coin in a coin jar with piles of coins next to it.
Financial Shares

This insurance company is a compelling buy, despite a takeover falling through, analysts say

This insurance company's shares are still looking like good buying, analysts say, despite takeover suitors walking away from a potential…

Read more »

Two children hold on tightly to books hugged against their chests, as if they were holding on to ASX shares for the long term.
Financial Shares

Own IAG shares? Here are the dividend dates for 2026

Mark these dates in your diary for the new year.

Read more »

Happy young woman saving money in a piggy bank.
Broker Notes

This ASX All Ords stock has more than doubled investors' money since January. Here's why it's tipped to surge another 45%!

A leading broker expects more outsized gains from this rocketing ASX All Ords stock. Let’s see why.

Read more »

Happy couple at Bank ATM machine.
Financial Shares

Forget CBA shares and check out this buy-rated ASX financial stock

One leading broker thinks that investors should be buying this growing company's shares.

Read more »