PRINCETON, N.J., Mar 01, 2006 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- Order Execution Services Holdings, Inc. (OES), announced today that it has closed its acquisition of Archipelago Brokerage Services, L.L.C. (ABS), now renamed ABS Brokerage Services.

Order Execution Services Holdings is the parent company of Order Execution Services, LLC, a leading independent introducing and agency broker-dealer. Terms of the acquisition were not disclosed

"The completion of this acquisition is a major milestone as OES continues to aggressively grow and further position itself under Reg. NMS," said David M. Scheckel, CEO of OES.

'New Era for OES'

"Today, a new era begins for OES," Mr. Scheckel said. "OES is now delivering a competitive trading solution, complete with competitive pricing, FIX connectivity and total anonymity for ABS customers, while continuing to focus on innovation and attention to customer service.

"As a result of this acquisition," he said, "OES is better able to maximize our services as a one-stop provider of advanced order routing and connectivity."

Archipelago Holdings, Inc. (PCX: AX), the owner and operator of the Archipelago Exchange(R) (ArcaEx(R)), had operated ABS as an introducing broker that provided broker-dealer customer access to ArcaEx for securities traded on ArcaEx.

"ABS customers will benefit from the enhanced connectivity and customer services provided under the growing umbrella of OES," said Mike Cormack, president of Archipelago.

About Order Execution Services (OES)

Order Execution Services Holdings, Inc. (OES), through its wholly-owned technology and broker-dealer subsidiaries, provides seamless electronic market connectivity, liquidity access and rapid executions by linking broker-dealers, trading systems, exchanges and market centers. As an innovative securities industry leader, OES specializes in smart-order routing, Reg. NMS compliance tools, sponsored market access, agency execution and private inter-market linkages. OES was formed in 2002 by the management buyout of the Herzog-listed trading division from Merrill Lynch. Closely-held, OES is headquartered in Princeton N.J., with offices in Chicago, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Boston and Philadelphia. For information, visit www.tradeoes.com

About Archipelago

Archipelago Holdings, Inc. (PCX: AX), operates the Archipelago Exchange (ArcaEx), the first totally open all-electronic stock exchange in the United States. ArcaEx trades all Nasdaq(R)-listed equity securities and exchange listed equity securities, including those listed on the New York Stock Exchange(R) (NYSE(R)), American Stock Exchange(R), (Amex(R)) and ArcaEx. In April 2005, the NYSE and Archipelago announced that they have entered a definitive merger agreement that will lead to the combined entity, NYSE Group, Inc. In addition to offering core execution services, ArcaEx provides corporate clients with listing services and innovative data products. In September 2005, Archipelago acquired PCX Holdings, Inc., parent company of the Pacific Exchange and PCX Equities, Inc. allowing Archipelago to bring together the all-electronic trading of equity securities and options products thereby expanding and diversifying Archipelago's business lines. For more information please visit http://www.archipelago.com.

This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. With the exception of historical information contained herein, the matters discussed in this press release involve risk and uncertainties. Actual results could differ materially from those expressed in any forward-looking statement.

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2006 Order Execution Services Holdings Inc. - All Rights Reserved

SOURCE:
Order Execution Services Holdings, Inc.