(Reuters) - British inter-dealer broker TP ICAP said on Tuesday it could list its data and analytics business in the United States as early as the second quarter if it chooses to proceed with the option.

The world's largest inter-dealer broker has been exploring options for Parameta Solutions since about a year and is focused on a possible U.S. listing of a minority stake.

"Our priority is to create sustainable shareholder value and retain, for the long-term, the majority of any upside potential, while providing Parameta with a greater ability to grow on a standalone basis," TP ICAP CEO Nicolas Breteau said in a statement.

Parameta, which sells data to traders, accounted for 8.8% of overall revenue in 2024.

"The news that the (Parameta) process is nearing its conclusion is positive, although this should not overshadow the improving performance from the rest of the group," Peel Hunt analysts said in a note.

TP ICAP, which matches buyers and sellers and benefits from heightened market movement, reported a 12% rise in 2024 pretax profit to 303 million pounds ($390.99 million), beating analysts' consensus of 296 million pounds.

The company said it was comfortable with current market expectations for 2025 adjusted operating profit, and launched a 30 million pound share buyback programme.

Its shares were up 2.3% in early trading.

($1 = 0.7750 pounds)

(Reporting by Simone Lobo and Pushkala Aripaka in Bengaluru; Editing by Subhranshu Sahu)