Forge Global Stock Jumps 11.5% on Sale Talks Confirmation
The private market platform acknowledged discussions with multiple parties following media speculation but stated no definitive agreement has been reached.
Shares of Forge Global (NYSE: FRGE), a key marketplace for private company stock, surged on Monday after the company confirmed it is exploring a potential sale with multiple parties.
The stock closed up 11.55% at $18.55 in New York trading, reacting to the company's first official acknowledgment of discussions that had been the subject of media speculation. In a statement released Monday evening, Forge Global sought to temper expectations, emphasizing that "no agreement has been reached, and there can be no assurance that any transaction will be agreed upon or consummated."
The confirmation followed a notable increase in trading activity and investor interest, pushing the company's market capitalization to approximately $226 million. Forge operates a critical trading platform and data service for shares of high-growth, venture-backed private companies, occupying a niche that has become increasingly important as firms stay private for longer.
This move comes as the company shows signs of operational strength. Forge recently reported strong financial results for the second quarter of 2025, with total revenue less transaction-based expenses rising 10% from the previous quarter to $27.6 million. The company also saw its trading volume jump a remarkable 77% year-over-year, indicating robust activity on its platform.
Forge provides essential market infrastructure for the often-opaque world of pre-IPO equity, a sector that offers high-risk, high-reward opportunities for institutional investors and family offices. Its platform aims to bring liquidity and transparency to a market that has historically been difficult to access.
Wall Street analysts remain divided on the company's long-term prospects, though recent events have drawn renewed attention. Current consensus ratings show a split, with one set of analyses pointing to a "Strong Buy" with a median price target of $30.00, while another composite view suggests a more cautious "Hold" rating, albeit with a higher consensus target of $35.50. The potential for a strategic acquisition adds a new variable to these valuations.
In its statement, Forge Global noted it does not intend to make any further public comments regarding the discussions unless and until a definitive agreement is reached. The statement was a direct response to reports from outlets like MarketWatch and Benzinga that the company was exploring a sale.
Investors will now be closely watching for any signs of a forthcoming deal. A potential acquisition could provide a significant premium for current shareholders and would mark a major consolidation in the private markets and financial technology space. However, the company's cautionary language underscores the uncertainty inherent in such negotiations, leaving the market to weigh the prospects of a buyout against Forge's standalone growth trajectory.