O'Brien Family Resumes Majority Interest in R.J. O'Brien & Associates

CHICAGO, Dec. 13, 2010 /PRNewswire/ -- R.J. O'Brien & Associates LLC (RJO), the largest independent futures brokerage firm in the United States, announced today that affiliates of the O'Brien family have increased their investment in RJO and are once again the majority owners of the business.  Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

The O'Brien family, who founded RJO in 1914, retained a minority interest in RJO when the company was acquired in 2007.

John O'Brien, speaking on behalf of the O'Brien family, said:  "RJO remains a jewel in the futures industry, and we believe wholeheartedly in the industry's potential for significant growth in the coming years.  The company's investment in technology, infrastructure and global expansion has secured its leadership position for the future.  At the same time, the focus remains on the core principles on which my family built the firm: personal integrity, quality service, unparalleled trade execution and financial stability.  We are proud to resume our majority ownership and to support the management team in the implementation of its strategic expansion globally."

Gerry Corcoran, RJO Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, said:  "I'm excited to work more closely with my longtime friends and business partners, John and Bob O'Brien.  The O'Brien family have supported the growth strategy we've put into place and our focus on fulfilling the risk management and trading needs of our valued clients.  With an expanded presence in key markets, a strong research offering and a wide breadth of business on the retail, institutional and commercial side, we are well positioned for the future."

About R.J. O'Brien

Founded in 1914, RJO is the largest independent futures brokerage firm in the United States.  The firm offers state-of-the-art electronic trading technology and 24-hour trade execution on every futures exchange worldwide.  Clearing more than 80,000 client accounts, RJO services a global network of more than 300 introducing brokers and many of the world's largest financial, industrial and agricultural institutions.  For more information, please visit www.rjobrien.com.  

SOURCE R.J. O’Brien & Associates LLC