AMG to Acquire Majority Equity Interest in Aston Asset Management LLC
BOSTON, MA, December 14, 2009 -- Affiliated Managers Group, Inc. (NYSE: AMG), a diversified asset management company, has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire a majority equity interest in Aston Asset Management LLC ("Aston") through the acquisition of Highbury Financial Inc. (OTCBB: HBRF), Aston's parent company. After the closing of the transaction, Aston's sub-advisors, management and employees will remain unchanged.
Based in Chicago, Aston offers sub-advised investment products to the mutual fund and managed accounts markets. Aston is the principal advisor to the Aston Funds, a fund family of 24 sub-advised, no-load mutual funds with total net assets of approximately $6 billion as of September 30, 2009. Led by Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Stuart Bilton and President Kenneth Anderson, Aston carefully selects investment managers that follow disciplined investment processes and best-in-class business standards, while seeking to achieve consistent investment performance. The firm distributes its domestic equity, international, alternatives, sector, balanced and fixed income funds to consultants, registered investment advisors, broker-dealers and defined contribution plans.
"We are very pleased to partner with Aston Asset Management, an established investment firm with an outstanding track record of performance and organic growth," stated Sean M. Healey, AMG's President and Chief Executive Officer. "Aston and its sub-advisors adhere to a disciplined investment process which has generated strong long-term returns for clients, with more than 90% of its mutual fund family's assets under management rated four and five stars by Morningstar. Aston has strong business momentum and compelling future prospects, and we look forward to working with our new partners."
"Given AMG's long history of successful partnerships, we are excited to join the Company's outstanding group of Affiliates," said Mr. Bilton. "Aston and our sub-advisor partners look forward to building on our track record of strong performance, and we believe our partnership with AMG will allow us to manage the firm in the best interests of our clients."
Pursuant to the agreement, at the time of closing 1,748,879 shares of AMG common stock are expected to be issued in exchange for all of the outstanding equity of Highbury, and Highbury's sole operating subsidiary, Aston, will become an AMG Affiliate. Following the completion of the transaction, Highbury's holding company operations will cease and all holding company costs will be eliminated. The transaction has been approved by the boards of directors of AMG and Highbury, as well as the Board of Trustees of the Aston Funds, and is subject to the approval of both Highbury shareholders and Aston mutual fund shareholders, as well as other customary closing conditions and regulatory approvals.
About Affiliated Managers Group
Affiliated Managers Group is a diversified asset management company with approximately $205 billion in assets at September 30, 2009 (pro forma for the pending investment). AMG's strategy is to generate growth through the internal growth of its existing Affiliates, as well as through investments in new Affiliates. Through AMG's innovative partnership approach, individual members of each Affiliate's management team retain or receive significant direct equity ownership in their firm while maintaining operating autonomy. AMG provides centralized assistance to its Affiliates in strategic matters, marketing, distribution, product development and operations.
###
Click here for more material dealing with current trends, opinion, news, legislative action, investments, marketing, sales, consulting, and legal issues on 401k plans.
This is a press release provided by the company or its representatives. 401khelpcenter.com, LLC is not the author of this release and is not associated or affiliated with any firm or organization mentioned unless otherwise noted. Use of any information obtained from this release is voluntary, and reliance on it should only be undertaken after an independent review of its accuracy, completeness, efficacy, and timeliness. Reference to any specific commercial product, process, or service by trade name, trademark, service mark, manufacturer, or otherwise does not constitute or imply endorsement, recommendation, or favoring by 401khelpcenter.com, LLC.
