(Reuters) -Charles Schwab ( SCHW ) is expected to announce an acquisition deal for private share marketplace Forge Global ( FRGE ) in an offer valued at as much as $600 million, the Financial Times reported on Wednesday, according to two people familiar with the terms. 

Schwab is expected to pay $45 per share for Forge Global ( FRGE ), the report added, which would represent a 75% premium to Forge's closing price as of Wednesday. Shares of Forge Global ( FRGE ) were trading at $38 in after-hours trading.

The deal could be announced as soon as this week, however, there is no assurance on it going through, the report added.

Charles Schwab ( SCHW ) declined a comment, while Forge Global ( FRGE ) did not immediately respond to a Reuters request for comment.

Major financial institutions are ramping up efforts to tap into private markets, building infrastructure to connect clients with pre-IPO companies, facilitate share liquidity and meet growing investor demand for early exposure to high-growth startups.