Martin Gilbert’s fast-growing asset manager AssetCo announced completion of the acquisition of Colin McLean’s Edinburgh-based SVM Asset Management and said it plans to have a “strong and dynamic asset management hub” in the Scottish capital.
AssetCo’s business in Edinburgh already includes Saracen Fund Managers and Revera Asset Management.
AssetCo said the acquisition brings assets managed by the AssetCo group of companies in Edinburgh to nearly £700 million.
“The intention is that, over time and subject to appropriate regulatory approvals and client consents, the majority of compliance, operational, distribution and marketing resources will be shared within the broader AssetCo group of companies,” said AssetCo.
“At the same time, the unique qualities and strengths for which SVM are well known will be preserved to form a bedrock of growth for the future.”
Martin Gilbert
AssetCo chairman Martin Gilbert said: “The completion of the acquisition of SVM is part of AssetCo’s overall strategy of investing in, building and managing asset and wealth management businesses.
“We are proud to be building an asset management hub of investment excellence in Edinburgh and the completion of the SVM acquisition is integral to this.
“SVM is a very well regarded fund management firm with a strong heritage and investment track record.
“We are looking forward to building upon SVM’s many strengths as we continue to develop a listed equity business at AssetCo to meet the long-term financial needs of investors.”
SVM founder Colin McLean said: “Speaking for myself and the whole team at SVM we are immensely proud of what we have achieved over the past 32 years.
“We could not have done so without the unstinting support of our clients, many of whom have been with us since the early days.
“We look forward to working with AssetCo to build an expanded and dynamic equities platform to serve all of our clients and leverage opportunities for the future.”
In a stock exchange statement, AssetCo added: “The acquisition was conditional on, inter alia, approval by the FCA to the change of controller of SVM.
“AssetCo is pleased to announce that this approval has been forthcoming and all the conditions pertaining to the acquisition have been satisfied. Completion of the acquisition took place earlier today.
“The consideration payable under the terms of the acquisition was, after balance sheet adjustments, £11.2 million satisfied by the issue of £9 million nominal of 1% fixed rate unsecured convertible loan notes 2023 in AssetCo and, as a result of higher net assets of SVM on completion of £4.5 million, approximately £2.2 million in cash.
“On completion SVM had cash balances of £5 million.
“The Loan Notes may be converted into fully paid ordinary shares of 1p each in the company in certain circumstances.
“Up to £2 million in nominal value may be converted on or before 31 December 2022 at the market price at the time of conversion.
“Thereafter conversion will be at an effective price of £1.45 per Ordinary Share. Unless converted the Loan Notes will be repaid on 31 December 2023.”