Standard Life Investments buys Ignis


Standard Life Investments has acquired Ignis Asset Management, signalling a major strategic shift into the funds management arena for the traditionally insurance-orientated company.
Standard Life Investments entered into an agreement with parent company Phoenix Group Holdings to purchase the asset management business for £390 million pending approval from the UK’s Financial Conduct Authority.
The acquisition will see Standard Life Investment’s third party assets under management grow to 64 per cent of its total book value and will add four new long-term contracts to its insurance client base.
Ignis had £59 billion in assets under management at the end of last year.
Standard Life Investments chief executive Keith Skeoch said Ignis was “entirely complimentary” to its existing suite.
“Continuity of investment performance and commitment to client service and relationship management remain our key priorities, with migration and integration of Ignis taking place in a controlled manner under unified management from day one,” he said.
The transaction is expected to be completed by June 30, 2014.
Recommended for you
AUSIEX has announced it will acquire FIIG, a specialist fixed income provider with $4.5 billion in funds under advice.
Platinum Asset Management has announced it is in discussions with a global alternatives fund manager regarding a possible merger to create an $18 billion firm.
JP Morgan Asset Management has appointed an ETF specialist from Vanguard as it seeks to expand its ETF range.
The alternative asset manager has expanded its Singapore office with a head of Asian distribution, representing a “critical step” for the Asian business, where it is seeking to launch new offerings.