Canada’s main pension fund, CPP Investments, has agreed to become a major shareholder in Universal Investment, a leading third-party Super ManCo active in Luxembourg, by acquiring a significant stake in the firm from private equity and venture capital firm Montagu. The deal demonstrates that investors worldwide see further potential in Luxembourg’s growing asset services market.
CPP Investments manages Canada’s largest pension fund, managing some 523 billion Canadian dollars (around 400 billion euro), on behalf of 21 million Canadians.
While financial details were not disclosed, a spokesman told Investment Officer that CPP will own a “double-digit stake” in Universal Investment while Montagu will maintain its position as lead investor with a stake of more than 50 percent.
“We are delighted to welcome CPP Investments to the Universal Investment team,” said Daniel Fischer (photo), director at Montagu, which acquired the Frankfurt-based firm in 2017 from Berenberg and Bankhaus Lampe. “We are pleased to be able to continue the partnership while delivering a strong return for our investors.”
Private equity meets asset services
“Universal Investment has performed strongly over the last five years, delivering strong growth in Germany while accelerating its expansion in Luxembourg and entering a new strategic market in Ireland. We have every reason to believe the business will go from strength to strength as it continues to expand its offering across products, asset classes and jurisdictions,” Fischer said.
The transaction brings together two markets that are also showing clear growth in Luxembourg: private equity and asset services. What’s more, it is the second announcement this week that connects Luxembourg to Canada’s financial services markets. Apex Group on Wednesday announced that it has acquired Prometa, a fund services provider based in Winnipeg. CPP is based in Toronto.
The transaction broadens Universal Investment’s investor base and is aligned with its client base, many of whom are institutional investors, including pension funds, themselves. CPP said it had been following the firm, which also is a leading asset services provider in Germany, Ireland and Luxembourg, for years.
CPP to support further growth at UI
“We have been impressed by its exceptional and resilient growth trajectory,” said Hafiz Lalani, head of European direct private equity at CPP. “Our relationship with management and Montagu enabled us to work together to deliver a targeted, bespoke capital solution across our investment capabilities and we look forward to supporting Universal Investment in the next stage of expansion.”
The investment is subject to customary regulatory clearances.
Universal Investment said its business has delivered “resilient and consistent growth over the past 15 years, driven by structural tailwinds in its markets, a strong competitive positioning from its dedication to its clients, and a commitment to operational excellence.”
Fast growth
“Our development into one of the fastest growing European fund service platforms was a decisive factor for CPP Investments to invest,” Universal Investment CEO Michael Reinhard said. “Backed by the great partnership with Montagu we have leveraged our full potential and have become one of the few players active in Germany, Ireland and Luxembourg, offering not only ManCo services but also fund administration and distribution services. We are delighted to welcome CPP Investments and with both investors by our side, we are excited to take on a more global perspective for the business”.
Together with CPP Investments and Montagu, Universal Investment plans to push its geographic expansion, particularly in the North American market. The firm said it will continue to invest in its home markets to expand the products and services that it offers to institutional investors and asset managers.
As part of its international growth strategy, Universal Investment recently acquired Luxembourg-based European Fund Administration (EFA), a leading provider of fund administration services, private asset services, and front-, middle-, and back-office services.
Universal Investment serves over 470 clients across its core jurisdictions, and has around 760 billion euro in assets under administration with over 1,100 employees.
Related articles on Investment Officer Luxembourg:
- Apex buys Canada’s Prometa Fund Support Services
- Universal, with EFA, sets eyes on growth in Benelux, Nordics
- In Flux: Home of the Super ManCos