Charles Schwab Corporation entered into a definitive agreement to acquire TD Ameritrade in an all-stock transaction valued at approximately $26 billion. Under the agreement, the corporate headquarters of the combined company will eventually relocate to Schwab’s new campus in Westlake, Texas.

According to company officials “both companies have a sizable presence in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. This will allow the combined firm to take advantage of the central location of the new Schwab campus to serve as the hub of a network of Schwab branches and operations centers that span the entire U.S., and beyond. Any additional real estate decisions will be made over time as part of the integration process.”

Schwab officials noted the company “was founded in San Francisco and has maintained a longstanding commitment to the Bay Area, which will continue. A small percentage of roles may move from San Francisco to Westlake over time, either through relocation or attrition. The vast majority of San Francisco-based roles, however, are not anticipated to be impacted by this decision. Schwab expects to continue hiring in San Francisco and retain a sizable corporate footprint in the city.”

Schwab President & CEO Walt Bettinger said, “We have long respected TD Ameritrade since our early days pioneering the discount brokerage industry, and as a fellow advocate for investors and independent investment advisors. Together, we share a passion for breaking down barriers for investors and advisors through a combination of low cost, great service and technology. With this transaction, we will capitalize on the unique opportunity to build a firm with the soul of a challenger and the resources of a large financial services institution that will be uniquely positioned to serve the investment, trading and wealth management needs of investors across every phase of their financial journeys.”

“Partnering with Schwab on this transformative opportunity makes the right strategic and financial sense for TD Ameritrade,” Stephen Boyle, TD Ameritrade Executive Vice President & CFO, the company’s interim President & CEO said. “We share a common history, a journey since 1975 that has made Wall Street more accessible and financial dreams more attainable for millions of Americans. Our associates are fiercely proud of that legacy and all that we have accomplished to make TD Ameritrade one of the premier firms in financial services. Now we look to join forces with a respected firm like Schwab that shares our relentless focus, and to do more than we could do apart. Together, we can deliver the ultimate client experience for retail investors and independent registered investment advisors. We can continue to challenge the status quo, pooling our resources and expertise to transform lives, and investing, and deliver sustainable, long-term value to our many stakeholders.”

Mr. Bettinger added, “One of Chuck Schwab’s ambitions has always been to build a strong and independent Schwab that would be around to serve clients for many years in the future. We believe the combination of our two great companies positions us to be competing and winning in the investment services business for the long run, the very long run.”

The transaction is subject to customary closing conditions.