BMO Financial Group is to acquire Hong Kong-based Lloyd George Management (LGM) a firm with approximately USD6 billion in assets under management.
Founded in 1991, LGM is an independent investment manager specializing in Asia and Global Emerging Markets. In addition to Hong Kong, the company has a local presence in London, Singapore, Mumbai and Florida. Across these locations, the company employs more than 80 people in portfolio management and research, client service, administration and compliance including 29 investment professionals.
"The acquisition of Lloyd George provides the scale for further expansion of BMO Asset Management and bolsters our portfolio management capabilities in Asian and emerging markets, allowing us to meet our institutional, private banking, BMO Nesbitt Burns and retail clients’ growing demand for global investment strategies," says Gilles Ouellette, President and Chief Executive Officer, Private Client Group, BMO Financial Group, and Chairman, Bank of Montreal (China) Co Ltd. "Lloyd George is a highly-respected portfolio manager with deep, experienced investment capabilities. Their strong client focus and research philosophy aligns perfectly with BMO.
"Wealth management is a key component in BMO’s Greater China strategy. This acquisition will complement our established presence in China, including the recent incorporation of our wholly owned banking subsidiary; our equity interest in Fullgoal Fund Management Co., one of China’s leading fund management companies; and our M&A advisory services. With the acquisition of a premiere boutique asset manager, we can offer BMO clients access to Emerging Market and Asian asset classes, giving them greater opportunity to capitalize on the growth potential in select global markets, while giving Lloyd George clients access to a broader range of BMO services."
BMO will extend offers of employment to LGM’s entire team and Robert Lloyd George will remain Chairman of the company, which will continue to operate under the name Lloyd George Management. He will report to Barry McInerney, Head of BMO Asset Management – U.S. & International.
LGM is 72 per cent owned by current and former employees, including Founder and Chairman, Robert Lloyd George. The firm has three external shareholders, including Eaton Vance Corp (Boston). The acquisition is anticipated to close early in the third quarter of fiscal 2011, subject to regulatory and other approvals. The terms of the deal are not being disclosed.
