GL TRADE, headquartered in Paris, France, was an international software and services provider for financial markets. The company was founded in 1987 by Olivier Bailliard and initially focused on providing software solutions for trading on French futures and options markets. GL TRADE expanded its product range over the years to include a wide range of solutions for trading, risk management, order routing, and post-trade activities.

Its flagship product, GL NET, offered a high-performance trading platform for multiple asset classes, including equities, derivatives, fixed income, and foreign exchange. The company also offered connectivity solutions to exchanges, brokers, and other market participants. With a global presence, GL TRADE established offices in major financial centers worldwide, including New York, London, Tokyo, and Hong Kong.

It achieved international growth through partnerships, joint ventures, and acquisitions. Notably, GL TRADE acquired ESN Group, a leading Italian financial software provider, in 2000, and TNS Real-Time Systems, a provider of electronic trading infrastructure, in 2006. GL TRADE's market position was strong, with a significant share of the global trading software market.

The company had a strong reputation for its highly reliable and robust trading platforms, which were favored by financial institutions globally. Its competitors included other established providers such as Bloomberg, Reuters, and SunGard. In 2008, GL TRADE underwent a major transformation when it was acquired by SunGard, a leading provider of software and processing solutions for financial services.

This acquisition allowed GL TRADE to leverage SunGard's global reach and broader product portfolio. Since the acquisition, GL TRADE's brand has been integrated into SunGard's suite of solutions. Subsequently, the GL TRADE brand has ceased to exist as an independent entity.

In conclusion, GL TRADE was a prominent French software and services provider for financial markets. It excelled in providing trading, risk management, and connectivity solutions for global market participants. Following its acquisition by SunGard, the GL TRADE brand has been absorbed into SunGard's product portfolio