Columbia Threadneedle completes acquisition of BMO’s EMEA and Asia Pacific asset management business

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We are pleased to confirm that the acquisition of Bank of Montreal’s EMEA and Asia Pacific* asset management business (BMO GAM (EMEA/Asia Pacific)) completed on 8th November.

Columbia Threadneedle and BMO GAM (EMEA/Asia Pacific) are two leading asset managers with solid momentum and strong client focus. Together, our complementary investment capabilities and distribution networks will deliver added value for clients as we meet their evolving needs.

This strategically important acquisition accelerates our growth in the EMEA region and secures our position as a significant global asset manager, with a total of more than $725 billion assets under management**.

Adding to Columbia Threadneedle’s established strengths in core asset classes and real estate and our strong long-term performance track record, BMO GAM (EMEA/Asia Pacific) brings leading capabilities in Liability Driven Investing and fiduciary management, along with its well recognised responsible investment expertise and capabilities in alternative and traditional asset classes.

We’re excited about what this acquisition will bring to our clients and our business. Our combined global team of more than 2,500 people share a client-centric culture, a collaborative and research-based investment approach, and a long-held commitment to responsible investment principles. Together, we look forward to embracing our role as active managers to drive real world change, deliver client outcomes and help achieve a sustainable future for all.

The success of our clients remains our priority and will underpin our approach through the transition period.

If you have questions, please contact your usual relationship manager.

View our FAQs.

*Europe, Middle East and Africa
**as at 30 June 2021

FAQs

1. What does BMO GAM (EMEA/Asia Pacific) bring to Columbia Threadneedle?

The acquisition will help us respond to the developing needs of our clients by adding attractive capabilities in important areas. BMO GAM (EMEA/Asia Pacific) is a recognised leader for:

Responsible Investment (RI) – with a broad range of specialist ESG products and a responsible engagement overlay service that provides corporate engagement on equity and bond holdings, as well as proxy voting services
Liability Driven Investing (LDI) – a top four LDI business in Europe, in the small-mid market
Fiduciary/outsourced management – a key solutions business with teams in the Netherlands and UK
European Real Estate – a continental European direct real estate capability based in Germany and France.

The BMO GAM (EMEA/Asia Pacific) team will also add depth and breadth in traditional asset classes. In addition, the acquisition includes the management of several publicly traded investment trusts, including F&C Investment Trust PLC, the world’s longest-tenured investment trust.

2. How will this impact my investment with Columbia Threadneedle?

BMO GAM (EMEA/Asia Pacific) will bring additional resource and expertise and we will be moving quickly to allow research to be shared across our investment teams. This will add to the insights available to our investment professionals.

There is no immediate change to any investment processes or investment approach. However, as we bring teams together we will look to bring the best from both teams to deliver the right outcomes for clients. We remain focused on continuing to deliver consistent, competitive investment performance.

3. Will the Columbia Threadneedle brand change?

4. Will BMO GAM (EMEA/Asia Pacific) and Columbia Threadneedle merge funds?