Schwab enters Canada

Charles Schwab has gained a foothold in the Canadian market. Schwab announced Dec. 14 it has acquired privately-owned Priority Brokerage and Porthmeor Securities, both of Toronto. Paul Bates, president and ceo of the two widely held firms, will stay on as president and ceo of the combined firm, to be renamed Charles Schwab Canada. David Pottruck, president and ceo of the San Francisco based parent, said Canada is an established market that represents immediate and long term opportunities for Schwab. The acquisition, for an undisclosed price, is subject to regulatory approval.