International Money Express jumps 35% after New York approves Western Union deal

International Money Express surged after New York’s Department of Financial Services approved its $500 million sale to Western Union, removing a major regulatory hurdle for the transaction. The approval sparked a sharp after-hours move of about 35% in IMXI, signaling investor relief that the deal can proceed. The event is also modestly positive for Western Union, which gains approval to combine with IMXI and potentially expand its money-transfer footprint. The article’s market impact centers on merger-arbitrage and deal certainty rather than broader sector trends, with the price reaction reflecting reduced execution risk following regulatory clearance.