Cogent's CSA Trak enables multiple broker-dealers and money managers to efficiently manage commission sharing arrangements and client commission arrangements through a single online portal that shows all balances and activities both by broker-dealer and virtually aggregated.

'The objective of this transaction is to have a widely used industry platform that will make it easier and cost-effective for broker-dealers to offer CSAs and CCAs and for money managers to take advantage of them,' says Robin Hodgkins, president, chief executive and founder of Cogent.

CSAs and CCAs enable money managers to accumulate credits from trading that can then be allocated to service providers for the payment of certain research or brokerage/execution services that they value.  Cogent's other industry products include trade reconciliation and a broker voting platform.

None of the broker-dealers will individually acquire a controlling interest in Cogent, and the current owners will remain a minority stake owner in the company. Hodgkins will continue to serve as the president and chief executive, and the existing Cogent management team will remain in place. 

'Cogent will continue to operate as a stand-alone, third party service provider after the consummation of the proposed transaction,' Hodgkins says.  'Cogent products will remain available to sell-side and buy-side firms globally, and all trade, commission and payment information will continue to be confidential.'  

Other terms were not disclosed, and closing of the transaction is subject to various conditions.