Investing.com -- Shares of Virtu Financial (NASDAQ:VIRT) climbed 2% today after the Pulte Family Office, an activist shareholder, publicly urged the company to consider selling itself. The Pulte Family, founders of PulteGroup (NYSE:PHM), one of the largest homebuilders in the nation, has expressed dissatisfaction with the current management of Virtu Financial and its CEO Doug Cifu.
In a press release, William J. Pulte, Chairman of The Pulte Family Office, criticized Cifu for not focusing on expanding the business and spending time on non-core activities. The Pulte Family has suggested that Virtu Financial would benefit from ownership that could unlock its true potential, either by a third-party private equity firm or another public company. The statement implied that without a change in direction, Virtu Financial should and would be sold, and the Pulte Family is prepared to assist in this transition.
The Pulte Family's dissatisfaction stems from attempts to work constructively with Virtu Financial's management, which they feel have been unfruitful. They have indicated a willingness to initiate a proxy contest or take other necessary legal actions if the company does not explore the option to sell. This pressure from a significant shareholder has investors reacting positively, reflected in the stock's uptick during the trading session.
While the Pulte Family's press release serves as the source of this development, it is important to note that no official action has been taken by Virtu Financial's Board of Directors regarding a potential sale. The market's response indicates investor anticipation of possible strategic changes that could enhance shareholder value.
As the situation develops, shareholders and potential investors will be closely monitoring Virtu Financial's response to the Pulte Family's call for strategic alternatives. The company has yet to publicly address the press release or comment on any potential sale discussions.
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