The Globe and Mail reports in its Saturday, July 12, edition that ATB Financial is in talks to acquire independent investment dealer Cormark Securities for over $35-million. A triple bylined item led by Andrew Willis writes that this acquisition would expand ATB, traditionally focused on oil sector clients, into a national player in the consolidating financial sector. Negotiations are ongoing and a deal may not be finalized. Cormark, owned by its 100 employees, is one of the few remaining independent dealers offering its clients -- companies and institutional investors -- a full menu of services, including stock trading, sales and research. Cormark accounted for 2.5 per cent of domestic underwriting done so far this year. Market leader RBC Capital Markets had a 26-per-cent share of stock sales. The largest domestic independent investment bank, Canaccord Genuity Group, held a 7-per-cent share, leading 20 equity offerings. Toronto-based Canaccord Genuity built its platform by both advising on deals and acquiring wealth management businesses and now has a $1.1-billion market capitalization. Cormark has steered clear of hiring financial advisers and fund managers. Cormark has offices in Toronto and Calgary.