Who Owns Thinkorswim Today and Its History

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Thinkorswim, a popular online trading platform, has a fascinating history that dates back to 2001. It was founded by Tom Sosnoff and his team.

Initially, thinkorswim was a small startup with a big vision, offering a unique platform that allowed traders to use technical analysis tools and place trades online. The platform quickly gained popularity among traders.

In 2009, thinkorswim was acquired by TD Ameritrade, a leading online brokerage firm, for $600 million. This acquisition marked a significant milestone in the company's history, expanding its reach and capabilities.

Today, thinkorswim is a subsidiary of TD Ameritrade, which is owned by Charles Schwab, a multinational financial services company.

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Who Owns Thinkorswim

Thinkorswim is a trading platform owned by TD Ameritrade, a well-established online brokerage firm.

TD Ameritrade was acquired by Charles Schwab in 2020, marking a significant shift in the ownership of thinkorswim.

Charles Schwab is a publicly traded company, listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol SCHW.

TD Ameritrade was a publicly traded company until its acquisition by Charles Schwab.

The acquisition was finalized on October 6, 2020, and was valued at approximately $26 billion.

Charles Schwab is one of the largest online brokerages in the United States, with a long history dating back to 1971.

Acquisition of Thinkorswim

Financial Trading App Displaying Stock Performance
Credit: pexels.com, Financial Trading App Displaying Stock Performance

TD Ameritrade acquired Thinkorswim Group Inc. in a cash and stock deal valued at approximately $606 million.

The acquisition was completed on January 7, 2009, as part of TD Ameritrade's growth strategy to advance its trading business.

The deal included Thinkorswim's INVESTools Investor Education division, which offered educational resources to investors.

History of Ownership

Thinkorswim was founded in 1999 by Tom Sosnoff and Barry Watkins, and it was initially an independent online trading platform.

The company's early success was driven by its innovative approach to trading, which included advanced charting tools and a user-friendly interface.

In 2006, Thinkorswim was acquired by Ameritrade for $600 million.

As a result of the acquisition, Thinkorswim continued to operate independently, with its own brand and identity.

Thinkorswim's acquisition by Ameritrade marked a significant turning point in the company's history, allowing it to expand its reach and offerings to a wider audience.

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Reasons for Acquisition

TD Ameritrade acquired Thinkorswim to expand its offerings to active traders. The acquisition was announced in 2009 and was completed in 2012.

Man trading stocks online using smartphone and laptop. Indoor setting, focus on technology and finance.
Credit: pexels.com, Man trading stocks online using smartphone and laptop. Indoor setting, focus on technology and finance.

Thinkorswim's advanced trading platform and robust research capabilities were major draws for TD Ameritrade.

TD Ameritrade wanted to tap into Thinkorswim's expertise in options trading, which was a key area of growth for the company.

The acquisition allowed TD Ameritrade to offer a wider range of trading tools and services to its clients.

Thinkorswim's focus on active traders aligned with TD Ameritrade's goal of serving a broader range of customers.

The acquisition helped TD Ameritrade to become one of the largest online trading platforms in the US.

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Impact on Thinkorswim Users

As a Thinkorswim user, you're likely wondering how the acquisition will affect you. The acquisition will allow Thinkorswim to integrate its platform with TD Ameritrade's, creating a more comprehensive trading experience.

Thinkorswim's advanced trading tools and research capabilities will remain intact, but you can expect to see some changes in the user interface and functionality. The platform will be available under the TD Ameritrade brand, but the Thinkorswim name will still be used.

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Credit: pexels.com, The concept of trading on a cryptocurrency exchange.Stock market chart on a blue background. share dropdown list

The acquisition will also bring new opportunities for Thinkorswim users to access TD Ameritrade's extensive network of research analysts and investment professionals. This will give you access to more in-depth market analysis and insights.

You can expect the integration to be seamless, with minimal disruption to your trading experience. Thinkorswim's existing user base will be migrated to the TD Ameritrade platform, but you won't have to worry about learning new systems or losing access to your favorite tools.

George Murphy

Senior Assigning Editor

George Murphy serves as a seasoned Assigning Editor, overseeing a wide range of financial articles. His expertise lies in high-frequency trading strategies, where he provides in-depth analysis and insights to his readers. Under his guidance, the publication has garnered recognition for its authoritative and forward-looking coverage in the financial sector.

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