Aquiline Capital Acquires Majority Stake in Isio Group

Aquiline

LONDON, July 2, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Aquiline Capital Partners LP (“Aquiline”), a private investment specialist in financial services and related technologies, has agreed to a majority investment in Isio Group Limited (“Isio”), one of the fastest growing pensions, reward and benefit and investment advisory businesses in the UK.

Since Isio was launched in 2020 it has undergone four successive years of double-digit organic growth and continues to gain market share. It has completed two acquisitions which expanded the company’s scale, geographical footprint, and range of services. Isio is now one of the UK’s largest retirement advisory businesses, with 1,200 employees and 10 offices across the UK.

Aquiline is well-established as an investor in the global retirement and wealth management services sectors. In the UK, Aquiline has invested in Smart Pension, the global pension software and solution provider, Wealth at Work, the provider of workplace financial education, guidance and advice and Landytech, the private markets investment management technology provider, among others. In addition, Aquiline has invested in Ascensus, the US’s largest provider of independent retirement and college savings services, Mirador, a tech-enabled middle office solution for private markets investors and SageView, a registered investment advisor serving retirement plan sponsors and individuals.

Aquiline’s investment will support Isio’s growth strategy of innovation by expanding its core services and growing adjacent practices, including rewards & benefits, investment advice and private capital. This will be achieved through a combination of targeted M&A to build additional service lines and advisory capabilities, and by attracting new talent to the business.

Aquiline is acquiring its majority shareholding from Exponent Private Equity LLP, who have backed Isio since its carve out. Isio’s management team will continue to retain a significant minority investment.

Igno van Waesberghe, Managing Partner at Aquiline, said: “We are delighted to be investing in Isio. It operates in sectors where we have extensive experience and deep networks.

“Isio is a business we have admired and got to know well, not simply as an investment, but first as our advisor and then our partner. We have been particularly impressed by the depth of their expertise in creating better outcomes for clients. It has delivered impressive organic growth and successful expansion through strategic M&A. We look forward to working with Isio’s management team to continue to develop their offering, diversify the business, and support them in further accelerating growth.”

Andrew Coles, Isio’s CEO, said: “This new investment from Aquiline will enable us to continue the journey of bringing high quality service and better outcomes to our clients. Key to this is having a culture that appeals to the best talent in the sector with long-term, high quality career opportunities. I am personally excited about the future and look forward to continuing to lead Isio in its next phase of evolution and growth.”

The transaction is subject to standard regulatory approvals.

Aquiline were advised by RBC Capital Markets and Herbert Smith Freehills LLP. Exponent and Isio were advised by Evercore (financial adviser) and Macfarlanes (legal adviser). Isio’s management were also advised by Liberty Corporate Finance and Proskauer.

Notes to Editors

About Aquiline Capital Partners LP

Aquiline Capital Partners LP is a private investment firm based in New York, London, Philadelphia, and Greenwich, Connecticut, that is dedicated to financial services and related technologies. The Firm has approximately $10.4 billion in assets under management as of March 31, 2024.

For more information about Aquiline, its investment professionals, and its portfolio companies, visit www.aquiline.com

About Isio

Isio is a leading independent UK provider of actuarial & consulting, pensions administration, investment advisory, employee reward & benefits and wealth advisory services. With a national team of 1,200 people across ten UK offices, Isio is committed to promoting financial wellbeing for all and works with companies, trustees and individuals to help them make informed decisions to protect their financial future.

For more information about Isio, please visit www.isio.com

About Exponent

Established in 2004 with a presence in London, Dublin and Amsterdam, Exponent is a leading private equity firm. The Firm invests in mid-market companies headquartered across Europe (UK, Ireland, Benelux and Nordics). Exponent has a distinctive approach, central to which is identifying the potential in corporate, family or founder owned businesses.

Exponent has raised more than €3 billion to date. A selection of Exponent’s current and past investments include market leading businesses such as Trainline, Moonpig, Ambassador Theatre Group, H&MV, Xeinadin and Quorn Foods.

Exponent has been investing in corporate carve out deals since its inception, with the acquisition of TES from News Corporation in 2005. In recent years the Firm has acquired Enva from DCC plc in 2017, SHL from Gartner, Inc. in 2018, Gü from Noble Foods in 2021 and most recently, in 2023, Natara from International Flavors and Fragrances, Inc.

Categories: News

Tags:

Rabo Investments proudly announces the investment in Hawk, a pioneer in combatting financial crime.

Rabo Investments

Hawk is a leading provider of AI-powered technology, enhancing fraud prevention and combatting anti-money laundering. Hawk’s solutions enable financial institutions to increase the effectiveness of financial crime detection and fraud prevention capabilities whilst maintaining regulatory compliance. The recent funding round will further accelerate Hawk’s international growth, as demand for AI-powered anti-financial crime technology soars. Rabo Investments is joining existing investors BlackFin Capital Partners, Sands Capital, DN, Picus and Coalition.

On Hawk

Hawk, founded in 2018, has rapidly scaled globally and currently monitors and screens billions of transactions worldwide. The company’s explainable AI approach has proven to be a game-changer in the industry, enabling financial institutions to drastically reduce false positive rates compared to traditional anti-money laundering solutions, while also detecting more unseen and novel crime. Hawk’s modular solution can either enhance or replace traditional rules-based systems with AI-powered transaction monitoring, payment screening, KYC, and fraud prevention in real-time to deliver greater accuracy and reduced noise.

Rabobank has been working with machine learning applications in FEC already for many years. What impressed us most about Hawk is that they’re delivering compelling results using explainable AI. Their advanced screening, detection and monitoring capabilities align very well with our mission at Rabo Investments Corporate Venturing to build a more secure and robust financial ecosystem. We are pleased to join Hawk as a shareholder to effectively combat global financial and economic crime.

Categories: News

Tags:

CBPE-backed BKL joins forces with Wilson Wright

CBPE

BKL is a top 50 accountancy firm and Wilson Wright is a leading City of London based accountancy firm. Both firms specialise in supporting fast-growing owner-managed businesses, SMEs, entrepreneurs and high net worth individuals by providing specialist accountancy, tax and business advisory services.

The two firms have a long history of working together and have built a strong relationship over many years. As a result of this deal, the combined business will have two well-established bases in London: BKL’s office in North London and Wilson Wright’s office in Central London. Together they will have a team of over 400 people, including 39 partners, and a combined turnover of £46 million.

BKL has been on an ambitious growth path since partnering with leading private equity investors CBPE in April 2023. This deal comes on the back of three successful BKL mergers in the past year: chartered accountants Landau Baker, virtual finance team specialists CFPro and chartered accountants Alan Heywood & Company.

It’s very exciting to share news of this new chapter for BKL and Wilson Wright. Our discussions, which were incredibly positive from the start, have confirmed how much we have in common: our supportive cultures, our values, the quality of our clients and the excellence of our teams. This is a significant next step for both our businesses. I’m looking forward to everything we’ll achieve together as we continue investing in our people and our clients.

Lee Brook, CEO
BKL

At Wilson Wright we have been exploring the best way to continue to develop and future-proof our business so that we can further enhance our client offering. We have known BKL for many years, and we share their ambitions for the future. Their purpose, drive, and desire to ensure they remain a responsible employer resonate strongly with us. It became clear from an early stage in our discussions that our two organisations are very much aligned, and we are looking forward to coming together as one team. We are excited about the possibilities that lie ahead for both of our teams to learn from each other, develop a stronger offering and add increased value to our clients.

Adam Cramer, Managing Director
Wilson Wright

Having partnered with Lee and the BKL team a year ago, we are delighted for Adam and the Wilson Wright team to be joining us on the next stage of the journey. It is clear that both firms share a strong employee culture and values, with a commitment to quality that results in exceptional client service. The SME accountancy market is going through a period of transition, and together the firms are ideally placed to capitalise on the exciting opportunities this presents for both colleagues and clients.

Adam Richardson, Director
CBPE

About BKL

BKL is a top 50 firm of chartered accountants and tax advisers based in North London.

BKL specialise in helping owner managed businesses, entrepreneurs, high net worth individuals and families. Their clients benefit from deep expertise in many sectors, including property, construction, financial services, not-for-profit, and music, media, sport & entertainment.

BKL’s services include tax consultancy, audit, assurance, accounts, corporate finance, outsourcing, payroll, private client advice, and a growing number of consulting services, including commercial finance, IT, and sustainability.

In April 2023 BKL took private equity investment from CBPE. Since then, BKL has completed three acquisitions: Landau Baker, academy specialists; CFPro, virtual finance team specialists; and Alan Heywood & Company, a music, media & entertainment sector firm of accountants.

BKL is committed to growing in a sustainable way. As a certified B Corporation (B Corp), they are verified as a business that acts with consideration for people, planet and purpose, not just profit.

Last year, BKL won Best Employer in Tax at the Tolley’s Taxation Awards 2023, and Tax Team of the Year at the Accounting Excellence Awards 2023.

About Wilson Wright

Wilson Wright is an accounting, tax and business advisory firm based in the City of London with origins that go back over 130 years. Many of their client relationships span generations and decades.

Being a longstanding and active member of DFK International, a worldwide association of independent member firms, enables the team to deliver international and cross-border advice to their clients.

Traditionally an accounts, assurance and audit-focused firm, in the last decade they have developed a range of highly specialised tax services including, international and national tax structuring, tax risk and dispute resolution and tax transactions.

Wilson Wright’s client base includes high net worth individuals, international sports personalities, renowned entrepreneurs, sole traders, and multinational groups. Their sector expertise ranges from fast-growing technology and environmental start-ups to family offices, property, professional services, charities, sport, media, and the arts.

Wilson Wright is recognised and ranked in Chambers & Partners High Net Worth Guide for Accountants and Tax Advisers, ePrivateClient Top Accountancy Firms, and as a Tolley’s Taxation Awards finalist in 2023. They were also listed in the Sunday Times Best Places to Work 2023.

Wilson Wright is proud to be a people-centric, proactive, professional advisory firm, where heritage, trust and partnership are at the heart of what they believe in. Their culture fosters a close-knit environment that provides support, guidance and the motivation required to deliver complex and exceptional work for the benefit of clients.

About CBPE

CBPE is a leading UK private equity firm which pursues a disciplined and consistent investment strategy, targeting buy-outs and development capital investments in UK-headquartered businesses with enterprise values up to £150 million. Since 2000, CBPE has made over 60 such investments from five funds.

BKL represents one of eight investments out of CBPE Fund X, which closed at the hard cap of £561m in November 2020.

For more information, please get in touch with Adam Richardson.

Categories: News

Tags:

FinFit & Salary Finance U.S. Announce Merger, Creating America’s Leading Workplace Financial Wellness

Senahill

VIRGINIA BEACH, VA, April 5, 2023 / PRNewswire / — With nearly 50 percent of U.S. workers reporting financial stress, FinFit and Salary Finance U.S. today announce their merger, to better support the financial needs of working Americans. Both companies have been part of the rapidly growing market of financial wellness employee benefits offered through the workplace, as demand has skyrocketed post-pandemic and due to inflation-driven cost of living challenges.The merged organization will service over 500,000 U.S. employers and over 10 million U.S. employees, in employers ranging in size from 4 employees to 400,000 employees, including household name brand employers like Tesla, Allied Universal, and United Way, and through an exclusive partnership with the payroll provider, Paychex.

The combined organization will operate under the FinFit brand, with the updated platform including Salary Finance U.S.’s financial wellness products. With these additions, FinFit’s SaaS-based platform will be the most comprehensive workplace financial wellness platform in the U.S., including a personalized financial assessment, coaching and dashboard, budgeting, spending and savings accounts, and payroll-deducted earned wage access, advances, and loans.

FinFit CEO and Founder David Kilby will continue to lead the combined organization, and Salary Finance’s Co-Founder Asesh Sarkar will serve as President.

David Kilby, CEO of FinFit commented, The post-pandemic world has been tumultuous for the American worker – from inflation to rediscovering a new work-life blend. Financial instability, today more than ever, compounds stress that leads to negative productivity and health outcomes. We are energized to be merging with Salary Finance to take FinFit to the next level, as America’s preeminent financial wellness platform supporting employees through their journey to financial health. Our organizations share this vision, and our combined capabilities and scale will ensure we will deliver on our core values to build financial wellness opportunities for all.

The merger comes at a time when there has never been more emphasis from businesses to create wellness programs for employees and, in particular, wellness programs that focus on the financial stress and pressure today’s worker feels. According to the most recent research data from FinFit and Salary Finance U.S., which will be released later this spring, 49 percent of U.S. workers are feeling financial stress. A majority, 70 percent, are worried about a recession impacting them, and 61 percent say they have less cash on hand now than they did a year ago. Financial stress in the workforce leads to ineffectiveness at work, troubled relationships, and a drop in productivity, creating a compelling financial and moral case for employers to act.


Asesh Sarkar, Salary Finance Co-Founder and President of FinFit, commented, Our mission at Salary Finance has been consistent from day one: to help millions of employees around the world become financially healthier and happier. This merger accelerates our path forward and allows us to serve clients and their employees with a more holistic set of benefits. I am excited to be working with David and the combined team as we move to the next stage of our journey.

Clients of Salary Finance U.S. and FinFit will continue to be served as they are today, with details of the option to upgrade to the new FinFit platform to be shared soon.


About FinFit: FinFit was established in 2008 and currently services over 500,000 organizations across the United States. The company’s SaaS-based model provides holistic financial wellness services that include a personalized financial assessment, premier educational resources, online money management tools, financial coaching, financial solutions, early wage access, spending and savings accounts, student loan services, and a member rewards program. Focus on creating positive, healthy financial behaviors and products to support behavioral change has proven to reduce financial stress and increase employee retention by more than 25%.

View source version on prnewswire.com: prnewswire.com/news-releases/finfit-and-salary-finance-us-announce-merger-creating-americas-leading-workplace-financial-wellness-platform-301790725.html

Categories: News

Tags:

Grant Thornton to accelerate business strategy with investment from New Mountain Capital

New Mountain Capital

Investment will add scale, resources and agility to solidify Grant Thornton as the industry’s platform of choice

CHICAGO and NEW YORK, March 15, 2024 — Grant Thornton LLP, one of America’s leading providers of audit and assurance, tax, and advisory services, and New Mountain Capital, LLC, a leading growth-oriented investment firm with approximately $50 billion in assets under management, today announced a significant growth investment to accelerate Grant Thornton’s business strategy.

Grant Thornton has a long track record of providing clients with the highest quality, differentiated services and is operating with significant momentum, having generated record revenues for its fiscal year ending July 31, 2023. In recent years, the firm has successfully implemented a business strategy featuring meaningful investments across its core business segments, as well as enhanced client centricity, personalized services and quality. Grant Thornton is fueling its strategy by offering dynamic professional-development paths and a singular culture that attracts and retains talented team members.

“Our partnership with New Mountain Capital empowers Grant Thornton to deliver transformational, high-quality outcomes for our clients, our talented team members and the industry as a whole,” said Seth Siegel, CEO of Grant Thornton. “The investment immediately enhances our value in the marketplace and enables us to accelerate our current strategy. We’ll enjoy greater scale, resources and agility, while better positioning the firm to make targeted investments in talent, technology, infrastructure and enhanced capabilities. Grant Thornton will further solidify our position as the industry’s platform of choice.”

Andre Moura, managing director at New Mountain Capital, said, “We have been deeply impressed by the Grant Thornton team, and in our research, Grant Thornton ranked at the highest levels in the U.S. as measured by the quality of its work product and the satisfaction of its clients, even at a much lower price to clients.  Grant Thornton’s unique culture drives the exceptional service the firm provides its clients, and we look forward to working with Grant Thornton to invest further in technology and automation, talent and new service line capabilities to achieve rapid growth — while maintaining an unwavering focus on quality and client experience.”

“We are thrilled to support Grant Thornton as it advances its superior, technology-enabled audit, tax and advisory services platform. Grant Thornton offers its clients a compelling value proposition and we look forward to helping the firm expand its service offerings and execute on strategic acquisitions to continuously grow its platform,” added Nikhil Devulapalli, managing director at New Mountain Capital.

Siegel cited Grant Thornton’s upcoming 100-year anniversary as a companion milestone to its partnership with New Mountain Capital: “We take great pride in our many accomplishments over the past century, and partnering with New Mountain Capital will ensure that we fully capitalize on the compelling opportunities that will define our next century. They share our standards and our vision, and together we will reshape the industry landscape, while enhancing Grant Thornton’s value proposition for our full range of stakeholders.”

The transaction is subject to regulatory approval and other standard closing conditions. Following the closing of the transaction, which is expected in the second calendar quarter of 2024, Grant Thornton will operate in an alternative practice structure: Grant Thornton LLP, a licensed CPA firm, will provide attest services — and Grant Thornton Advisors LLC will provide business advisory and non-attest services. The purpose-built structure will ensure the highest possible client service and an unwavering focus on quality.

Deutsche Bank Securities Inc. is serving as sole financial adviser to Grant Thornton. Dechert LLP and Vedder Price P.C. are serving as legal advisers to Grant Thornton. Mayer Brown LLP is acting as legal adviser to Grant Thornton’s Partnership Board. Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP and Hunton Andrews Kurth LLP are serving as legal advisers to New Mountain Capital.


About Grant Thornton LLP

Grant Thornton LLP (Grant Thornton) is one of America’s largest audit, tax and advisory firms — and the U.S. member firm of the Grant Thornton International Ltd global network. We go beyond the expected to make business more personal and build trust into every result. With revenues of $2.4 billion for the fiscal year that ended July 31, 2023, and almost 50 offices nationwide, Grant Thornton is a community of more than 9,000 problem solvers who value relationships and are ready to help organizations of all sizes and industries create more confident futures. Because, for us, how we serve matters as much as what we do.

About New Mountain Capital

New Mountain Capital is a New York-based investment firm that emphasizes business building and growth, rather than debt, as it pursues long-term capital appreciation. The firm currently manages private equity, credit and net lease investment strategies with approximately $50 billion in assets under management. New Mountain seeks out what it believes to be the highest quality growth leaders in carefully selected industry sectors and then works intensively with management to build the value of these companies. For more information on New Mountain Capital, please visit https://www.newmountaincapital.com/.

“Grant Thornton” refers to Grant Thornton LLP, the U.S. member firm of Grant Thornton International Ltd (GTIL). GTIL and the member firms are not a worldwide partnership. Services are delivered by the member firms. GTIL and its member firms are not agents of, and do not obligate, one another and are not liable for one another’s acts or omissions.

Grant Thornton

Jon Rucket
T   +1 404 984 6249
E    jon.rucket@us.gt.com

Daniel Yunger / Nathan Riggs

Kekst-GT@kekstcnc.com

New Mountain Capital

John Eddy
T   +1 646 660 8648
E    john@goldinsolutions.com

Categories: News

Tags:

Why we’re investing in AlTi Tiedemann Global

AllianzX
Published in Allianz X

Following four months of negotiations, an agreement was reached for Allianz X to invest up to $300 million in AlTi Tiedemann Global, a leading independent global wealth and alternatives manager. The result creates a pivotal opportunity for Allianz in the wealth and alternatives management sector. In this Q&A interview, Allianz X staff involved in the complex deal unpack the intricate details of it, the unique value proposition of AlTi, and the strategic rational behind it all.

“Allianz X brings capital and skills to our portfolio companies to foster innovation, fuel growth and realize their ambitions. Our investment in AlTi demonstrates our approach as well as our conviction in wealth management and alternatives, and we believe it will unlock opportunities for scale, new revenue streams, and societal impact for the Allianz Group,” said Allianz X CEO Dr. Nazim Cetin.

What is AlTi Tiedemann Global?

Alexander De Kegel: AlTi is a leading independent global wealth and alternatives manager with combined assets of approximately $68 billion. It provides a comprehensive range of customized services to an ultra-high-net-worth clientele, including entrepreneurs, foundations, multi-generational families, and emerging next-generation leaders. These services include estate planning, fiduciary administration, impact investing, investment advisory, and philanthropy. Unique in its field, AlTi deftly combines the extensive services typical of large firms with the personalized care characteristic of a boutique.

Why has AlTi captured our interest?

Michael Bradt: Our interest stems from our position at the intersection of financial services and technology. Our ongoing analysis pinpoints opportunities for collaboration with promising growth businesses to enhance their competitive advantage and generate financial and strategic returns for Allianz. We have developed a strong hypothesis in the global wealth domain. Wealth management, which offers access to an attractive pool of recurring revenues and is complementary to insurance and asset management, aligns well with Allianz’s overall mission to secure the future of our clients and their families.

What distinguishes AlTi from others in the industry?

Niklas Mundorf: AlTi serves ultra-high-net-worth (UHNW) clients, a focus it has honed over two decades. Its global presence matches the international requirements of its clients and their families, which provides it with a distinct advantage compared to many regional competitors. AlTi’s open architecture means solutions can be optimally tailored to each client’s needs. The company also has its own strategic alternatives business and access to many others. This ensures clients access to the most fitting and effective investment opportunities to meet their goals. The team at AlTi provides an incredible client experience. But don’t take our word for it; their client retention rate has been 97% since 2019, a clear indicator of the company’s distinction in the field.

What’s in it for AlTi?

Philip Wieland: As active investors, we are committed to supporting our portfolio companies throughout their growth journey, assisting them to achieve their milestones and emerge as leaders in their fields. A key aspect of our strategy involves leveraging opportunities within the Allianz universe to enhance AlTi’s business. We see tremendous potential in this partnership, and are eager to demonstrate this in the coming months and years.

Why another North American investment?

Maya Rollinger: This investment transcends geographical boundaries by targeting the global wealth sector. Although AlTi’s headquarters are in New York, their clients, operations, and teams have broad international reach, spanning Asia, Europe, and North America. Our investment accelerates AlTi’s strategy to become the leading global independent wealth and alternatives manager by enabling it to execute on its global mergers and acquisitions pipeline and expand its business in both existing and new markets.

What makes the wealth sector attractive?

Johann Kraberger: Many things. From a macro perspective, the increasing complexity and rapid change in global markets are driving a rising demand for expert private wealth management. The sector benefits from the accumulation and intergenerational transfer of wealth, contributing to steady market growth. From an investor’s perspective, wealth management is capital-efficient, offering substantial margins and dependable revenue streams. A critical feature of this sector is the profound, trust-based relationships between clients and their advisors, leading to exceptional retention rates as well as the creation of long-term partnerships and mutual value.

Sümer Uysal: From a strategic standpoint, Allianz, being one of the world’s largest asset managers with approximately $1.8 trillion in third-party assets under management, possesses extensive expertise in institutional money management. Wealth management introduces a pivotal link between institutional asset management and private wealth, which provides Allianz with exposure to a new market segment. It also offers AlTi the chance to capitalize on the capabilities, infrastructure, and scale of one of the world’s premier asset managers and insurance providers.

How does AlTi fit into Allianz X’s portfolio?

Alex: AlTi’s addition represents a strategic expansion of our portfolio. After thorough team deliberations on diversifying our presence into new, competitive areas, investing in AlTi emerged as a key move to prove our investment thesis in the wealth sector. This further enriches our portfolio of high-conviction investments and takes the total value of assets managed from the North American office beyond the one-billion-dollar mark.

How is the investment structured?

Gregor Freilinger: The investment is planned to be up to $300 million allocated across common and preferred equity, comprising an initial $250 million with an option for an additional $50 million. This is anticipated to potentially lead to a voting stake of up to 24.9%. Beyond the financial aspects, our engagement with AlTi will be formalized by nominating two members to its Board of Directors, facilitating strategic partnership and guidance.

When will the investment “close”?

Philip: We signed the transaction on the 22nd of February 2024 and are currently undertaking all necessary steps to secure the required regulatory approvals. This is a marathon, not a sprint.

What’s next?

Maya: We are looking forward to working closely with AlTi in the future. The investment is just the first step of our journey together. With our recently opened office in New York, we are best positioned to jointly unlock opportunities for both AlTi and the Allianz Group.

Categories: News

Tags:

Cinven agrees to make significant strategic investment in Alter Domus

Cinven

International private equity firm Cinven today announces that it has reached an agreement to make a majority investment in Alter Domus, a leading global provider of end-to-end tech-enabled fund administration and corporate services across three sectors: private equity, real assets and private debt. All existing shareholders, including the Company’s Founders and the Permira Funds, will sell approximately half of their shares to Cinven, and retain a significant investment in Alter Domus going forward. 

Established in 2003 and headquartered in Luxembourg, Alter Domus is one of the largest fund administrators globally, with over $2.5tn assets under administration (AuA). The firm has grown rapidly to meet the evolving needs of its client base, building a global network that now spans 23 jurisdictions, servicing 90% of the top 30 asset managers globally. Since 2021, Alter Domus has increased revenue by 54% and grown AuA by 69%.  

Cinven has spent significant time targeting investment opportunities in the fund services subsector, given its attractive and resilient characteristics, underpinned by structural growth in the alternative assets space. Cinven’s Business Services and Financial Services sector teams worked together in close partnership to acquire Alter Domus, identifying the following key investment attractions:

  • Its impressive financial track record, with Alter Domus having consistently outperformed the market, delivering double-digit organic growth and attractive margin performance;
  • Alter Domus represents a scarce, market-leading global fund services platform that delivers market-leading service levels to a blue-chip customer base including 90% of top-30 asset managers served;
  • It is a proven M&A platform in the fragmented fund services market that has a successful track record of acquisitions, and a strong further pipeline of potential buy and build opportunities across a range of markets and geographies; 
  • The company operates in attractive markets, with the fund services subsector benefitting from the structural growth of private capital markets, increasing regulation and a continued trend towards outsourcing of fund services, together with downside-protection through strong revenue visibility and cashflow generation; 
  • Alter Domus has received significant investment in the tech-enablement of the Company – resulting in best-of-breed third-party platforms, workflow automation and a leading data and analytics product capability to better serve the increasingly complex needs of its global client base; and
  • It has an experienced and highly respected management team that has led the strong performance to date.

Through this transaction, Cinven will support the long-term strategic growth of Alter Domus, working in close partnership with Alter Domus’ founders and Permira. 

Drawing on its global platform and leveraging the expertise of both its Business Services and Financial Services sector teams, and its Digital Hub team, Cinven will support management to accelerate growth across key regions and customer verticals and invest further in developing Alter Domus’s leading tech-enabled and digital offerings to its clients.

Rory Neeson, Partner and Head of Cinven’s Business Services sector team, said: 

“Cinven is delighted to make this investment in Alter Domus. Fund services has been a priority subsector for Cinven’s Business Services team for some time due to the attractive business model characteristics and strong growth drivers. We have followed Alter Domus closely over many years and admired it as a global leader with blue-chip clients and leading service levels. Looking forward, we see significant potential for further growth and look forward to working with the management team and shareholders in the next phase of its journey.”

Maxim Crewe, Partner and Head of Cinven’s Financial Services sector team, added:

“Alter Domus is well positioned to benefit from the strong growth in the fund services market, underpinned by the structural expansion in private capital markets, greater regulation and further outsourcing. The Company is a leading player in the industry with a differentiated service proposition, and we see a compelling opportunity to leverage Cinven’s Financial Services sector knowledge and global footprint to help the business continue this trajectory.”

Doug Hart, Chief Executive Officer of Alter Domus, commented:

“With an enviable track record of investing in fast-growing, world-class businesses, we are thrilled to welcome Cinven as an investor in Alter Domus. Cinven shares our strategic vision and commitment to developing long-term technology-enabled partnerships with the leading alternatives firms globally through the delivery of operational and client service excellence. Together we look forward to further accelerating our international growth and delivering innovative new services to our clients.”

The transaction is subject to regulatory approvals and other customary closing conditions. 

Categories: News

Tags:

Altor has increased its financial interest in Mandatum by an additional 6.6% of the outstanding shares

We are pleased to announce that we, Altor Fund VI (“Altor”), have today increased our financial interest in Mandatum plc (“Mandatum”) by an additional 33 million shares, corresponding to 6.6% of the outstanding shares. Altor is the largest shareholder in Mandatum and following today’s increase has a total interest representing 16.6% of the outstanding shares.

About Altor

Since inception, the family of Altor funds has raised more than EUR 11 billion in total commitments. The funds have invested in just south of 100 companies. The investments have been made in medium-sized predominantly Nordic and DACH companies with the aim to create value through growth initiatives and operational improvements. Among current and past investments are Trioworld, OX2, Carnegie, Kaefer, FLSmidth, Rossignol and Toteme.

For more information visit www.altor.com

About Mandatum

Mandatum is the leading Finnish financial services provider offering a wide array of services covering asset and wealth management, savings and investment, compensation and rewards, complimentary pension plans and personal risk insurance to corporates, retail customers as well as institutional and wealth management customers. Mandatum serves a network of 20,000 Finnish corporates and through its highly skilled sales force and customer relationship personnel, succeeds with cross-selling products from its broad and recognized offering. Mandatum has today approx. BEUR 11.9 in client assets under management across corporates, instituitional, wealth management and retail customers.

For more information visit www.mandatum.fi/en/

Press contact

Karin Åström

Head of Communications

karin.astrom@altor.com

+46 707 64 86 59

Categories: News

Tags:

Blue Owl Capital to Partner with Lunate to Invest in Private Market Investment Managers

Blue Owl logo

Partnership will target mid-sized private market managers

NEW YORK and ABU DHABI, UAE, February 7, 2024 — Blue Owl Capital Inc. (“Blue Owl”) (NYSE: OWL), a leading alternative asset manager, and Lunate, a global alternative investment manager headquartered in Abu Dhabi, managing US$105 billion in assets, announced today a joint venture to provide growth capital to leading mid-sized private capital GPs.

The joint venture will seek to acquire minority stakes in private market investment managers with fee-paying assets under management of less than $10 billion. The joint venture plans to target GPs with a clear sector specialization, differentiated approach, strong leadership and culture, and an established foundation of a durable, stable platform with identifiable key drivers of franchise value.

Lunate invests primarily in private markets through a multi-asset class approach, including private equity, venture capital, private credit, real assets, and public equities and public credit. Lunate, together with Blue Owl’s GP Strategic Capital platform, a market leader in GP minority investing, will create a powerful and differentiated proposition in the mid-market segment for GPs seeking growth capital and strategic partnerships.

“We are excited to partner with Lunate, which is a leading global private markets solutions provider based out of Abu Dhabi,” said Michael Rees from Blue Owl. “They bring valuable investment experience as both an LP and minority GP stake investor. We think the combined effort will be truly differentiated for mid-sized GPs and be complementary to our existing strategy focused on larger managers.”

“Our joint venture with Blue Owl speaks to Lunate’s aim of identifying and investing in a mid-sized GP Stakes Strategy that will enable our clients to participate in the broader dynamics of private markets investing” said Khalifa Al Suwaidi, Managing Partner, Lunate. “Blue Owl are pioneers and leaders in this space, and together, we are well positioned to add strategic value through our multi-asset platform, global networks, and industry expertise.”

Investor Contact:
Ann Dai
Head of Investor Relations
blueowlir@blueowl.com

Media Contact:
Nick Theccanat
Principal, Corporate Communications & Government Affairs
nick.theccanat@blueowl.com

 

About Lunate

Lunate is a new Abu Dhabi-based, Partner-led, independent global alternative investment manager with more than 150 employees and $105 billion of assets under management. Lunate invests across the entire private markets spectrum including buyouts, growth equity, early and late-stage venture capital, private credit, real assets, and public equities and public credit. Lunate aims to be one of the world’s leading private markets solutions providers through SMAs and multi-asset class funds, seeking to generate best-in-class risk-adjusted returns for its clients.

Media Contact: For any media inquiries, please contact media@lunate.com

 


Forward Looking Statements    
Certain statements made in this release are “forward looking statements” within the meaning of the “safe harbor” provisions of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. When used in this press release, the words “estimates,” “projected,” “expects,” “anticipates,” “forecasts,” “plans,” “intends,” “believes,” “seeks,” “may,” “will,” “would,” “should,” “future,” “propose,” “target,” “goal,” “objective,” “outlook” and variations of these words or similar expressions (or the negative versions of such words or expressions) are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Any such forward-looking statements are made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions available under applicable securities laws and speak only as of the date made. Blue Owl assumes no obligation to update or revise any such forward-looking statements except as required by law.

These forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance, conditions or results, and involve a number of known and unknown risks, uncertainties, assumptions and other important factors, many of which are outside Blue Owl’s control, that could cause actual results or outcomes to differ materially from those discussed in the forward-looking statements.

Important factors, among others, that may affect actual results or outcomes include the inability to recognize the anticipated benefits of strategic acquisitions; costs related to acquisitions; the inability to maintain the listing of Blue Owl’s shares on the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”); Blue Owl’s ability to manage growth; Blue Owl’s ability to execute its business plan and meet its projections; potential litigation involving Blue Owl; changes in applicable laws or regulations; and the possibility that Blue Owl may be adversely affected by other economic, business, geo-political and competitive factors.

Categories: News

Tags:

CBPE agrees sale of Perspective

CBPE

CBPE Capital LLP (“CBPE”) is pleased to announce that it has exchanged contracts on the sale of Perspective Financial Group Limited (“Perspective”) to US middle-market private equity firm Charlesbank Capital Partners LLC (“Charlesbank”). The sale is subject only to regulatory approval from the FCA. Terms of the transaction have not been disclosed.

CBPE invested in Perspective alongside the current management team in December 2019. During CBPE’s investment the business has grown significantly from £2.6 to £8.0bn assets under management through a focused buy-and-build investment strategy, supported by strong organic growth.

Perspective has completed over 45 acquisitions since CBPE invested. All of these have been fully integrated into the group, ensuring consistently high standards of advice whilst enabling all acquisitions to benefit from the significant investments that have been made in central support functions and technology.

From the outset, CBPE understood the key element of a successful wealth business and the importance of maintaining our client-centric culture. They have been a constant and supportive presence throughout the past four years. Together, we have built a highly efficient M&A execution and integration team, which has allowed us become the go-to acquirer for retiring IFA businesses. We are excited to partner with Charlesbank and believe this new partnership will help us continue building on our success to date and enable us to take our business to new heights.

Ian Wilkinson, CEO
Perspective

We have had the pleasure of working in a highly collaborative partnership, with a fantastic management team at Perspective. We have seen the business develop and grow significantly, whilst maintaining its focus on regulatory best practice and always doing the right thing by its clients. We take immense pride in what we have achieved together and the quality of Perspective as a platform for further growth in the UK wealth management market.

Richard Thompson, Partner
CBPE

The sale continues CBPE’s strong track record of investing in the financial services sector. The proposed sale of Perspective will follow the previous successful exits in the sector including Xceptor, Compre, Xafinity and JTC, and will represent the sixth exit from Fund IX. Current investments in the financial services sector include BKL, Centralis Group and DCL.

CBPE’s investment in Perspective was led by Richard Thompson and Harry Hewlett with support from Rachel Milton.

CBPE were advised by: Houlihan Lokey (Corporate Finance), Mayer Brown (Legal), Deloitte (financial, operational and tax diligence), LEK (commercial diligence), Thistle Initiatives (regulatory diligence) and Crosslake (IT).

Categories: News

Tags: