Specialist fund management group Liontrust has agreed to acquire global investment management firm GAM Holding (GAM). The deal is expected to complete in Q4 2023.
As of 31 March 2023, GAM’s investment management business holds CHF 23.3 billion (£20.9 billion) in assets under management and administration (AuMA). 75 per cent of its funds were in the first or second AuMA quartile of their sector over the previous three to five years.
Through the acquisition, Liontrust will be able to diversify its funds and asset class offerings to cover markets such as fixed income, thematic equities and alternatives. This will facilitate market share growth, protection from volatility and adaptability to changing investment styles, the company says.
With more than half of GAM’s AuMA sourced from continental Europe, Liontrust will be able to broaden its client base and increase its physical presence on the continent. GAM’s Asia and US offices will further accelerate the company’s expansion.
Once the acquisition is completed GAM’s business will operate under the Liontrust brand, with GAM funds rebranded as Liontrust.
John Ions, chief executive at Liontrust, says: “This is a significant acquisition that accelerates the growth of Liontrust. Liontrust is committed to the international business and client relationships that GAM has built.
“The quality of the investment teams across the different asset classes, the talent in the business and the breadth of the distribution at GAM, combined with Liontrust’s existing investment capability and strong brand, sales, marketing, and communications, gives me great confidence we will grow the enlarged business to create long-term value. Liontrust and GAM will work together to provide a seamless transition for clients and enhance the service provided in the future.”
Peter Sanderson, CEO of GAM, comments: “Our distinctive approaches to investing and culture are closely aligned, and this combination represents the best opportunity for our team of professionals at GAM to continue to provide clients with high conviction active investment strategies.
“The resulting business will have a strong balance sheet, a broader array of investment products, and a global distribution footprint from which to deliver growth that our shareholders can participate in the future.”
