New York-based Nasdaq Inc. is getting back into the Canadian equities business by buying Toronto-based Chi-X Canada ATS Ltd., an alternative trading system, from Chi-X Global Holdings LLC.

The price on the deal was not disclosed. Nasdaq says that the acquisition, which is subject to customary regulatory approvals, is expected to be immediately accretive to earnings. It also indicates in a statement that the deal is expected to “deliver attractive returns on capital, and should have no material impact on Nasdaq’s financial leverage or capital return strategy.”

The transaction is expected to close in the first quarter of 2016. Buying Chi-X Canada will give Nasdaq direct access to the Canadian equities market and will expand its North American equities trading business beyond the U.S. This brings the American stock exchange back to Canada after launching Canadian operations in 2000 but shuttering that office in 2004.

“The acquisition will ultimately enhance the trading experience for customers by promoting greater uniformity in technology and functionality across U.S. and Canadian trading venues,” states the stock exchange.

Dan Kessous, CEO at Chi-X Canada, will continue to lead the Canadian equities trading business and the Chi-X Canada team will join Nasdaq.

Chi-X Canada operates two platforms, Chi-X Canada and CX2. Over the last four quarters, the main platform has accounted for about 16% of the value traded in Canada and 13% of the volume. CX2 has picked up 5.1% of that value and 4.4% of that volume, according to the latest data from the Investment Industry Regulatory Organization of Canada (IIROC).

Nasdaq says it will transition Chi-X Canada to its INET exchange technology that over the next 12 months.

“This acquisition is an important part of our North American strategy as Chi-X handles about 22% of the order flow of S&P/TSX composite securities in Canada,” says Hans-Ole Jochumsen, president of Nasdaq, in a statement. “The addition of these thriving marketplaces will create a powerful combination for investors.”

“Nasdaq and Chi-X Canada have both demonstrated their commitment to market innovation and efficiency,” says Tal Cohen, CEO of Chi-X Global, through a statement. “We believe Nasdaq is well positioned to enhance Chi-X Canada’s current capabilities and to capitalize on new product and asset class opportunities, while maintaining Chi-X Canada’s core values of cost-effective and client-driven solutions.”