Multitech seeks smaller firms for roll-up merger, stock sale.(aspiring finance technology supplier Multitech Brokerage Solutions)

Multitech Brokerage Solutions Inc. of St. Petersburg is looking to become the next big finance technology supplier, and it plans to use smaller firms as building blocks.

The 5-year-old company is seeking to buy small financial services companies as partners in a roll-up merger and initial public offering !ate this year or in early 2000.

Between 15 and 20 companies are being sought initially, including banking institutions, securities brokerage firms, clearing houses, mutual fund and insurance companies, and money management firms.

Following a planned IPO of $40 million to $50 million, principals say Multitech will look for additional partners in the …