The combined business will provide investors with access to a broader range of investment solutions. Picture: Independent Newspapers.
Credo, an independent boutique wealth manager based in London, United Kingdom, and Anchor Capital, a provider of investment solutions in South Africa, has announced that they have agreed to a strategic merger.
In a statement, Anchor said the combined entity will have assets under management and advice of R230 billion (US$12bn), making it one of the biggest in the country. Credo was founded over 25 years ago and Anchor 12 years ago.
According to Anchor, both firms offer wealth management services to the high-net-worth retail and financial intermediary market segments. By partnering, Credo and Anchor will be able to leverage each other’s strengths and offer a seamless global proposition.
"The combined business will provide UK investors with access to a broader range of investment solutions, and both domestic and global investment solutions to South African investors, as well as offering a world-class investment platform with access to virtually any security, fund or currency in the world.
"The partnership will see both companies unite under a common shareholding structure, allowing the co-operation of senior management whilst preserving each firm’s day-to-day operational independence. There will be no change to the way either firm manages its respective investment solutions. Anchor’s investment team will continue to provide a Growth-based set of funds and portfolios, while Credo’s will independently continue with its Value-orientated investment strategies," it said.
Credo chairman Roy Ettlinger said: “As the founding shareholder of Credo, I am extremely excited that this transaction will enable Credo, together with Anchor, to transition to the next phase of developing a larger, more sophisticated wealth management business, and thus enable the business to provide a wider range of solutions to all clients segments. I look forward to continuing the journey with my new partners.”
Anchor chairman Mike Teke said: “This is an exciting step for Anchor and partnering with a high-quality UK business like Credo is a big moment for the combined businesses. Scale is becoming increasingly important in our industry and both businesses will be enhanced by the partnership.”
Anchor CEO Peter Armitage said: “Adding Credo’s international capabilities – a world-class platform and global investment reach – builds on Anchor’s strong South African network to create an even larger, independent, global wealth management business. We will be able to look after both domestic and global investment across numerous different asset classes.”
Credo CEO Charles van der Merwe said: “Our core proposition has always been to offer outstanding financial solutions to our clients, and by partnering with Anchor, we are able to provide our clients with access to a broader range of investment solutions, and additional scale on our wealth platform that is key to operating in multiple jurisdictions.”
The merger is subject to regulatory approval in the United Kingdom and South Africa.
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