Updated: Virtu Financial, the high-speed market maker, has made an offer to acquire rival KCG Holdings at a time when trading firms have struggled in an environment of low volatility in financial markets.

KCG confirmed late on Wednesday that it received an unsolicited offer from Virtu to acquire the company for $18.50 – $20 a share in cash. KCG said its board is reviewing the proposal.

Shares of KCG jumped 23 per cent late in the New York session after reports of the deal. Shares closed on Tuesday at $13.73, which makes Virtu’s offer about a 30 per cent premium.

A spokesperson for Virtu declined to comment while officials for KCG were not immediately available to comment.

The story was first reported by the Wall Street Journal.

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