OFI Asset Management (OFI AM) and Degroof Petercam Asset Management (DPAM) have signed a strategic partnership with the creation of a joint venture based in Hong Kong. The joint venture will undertake to expand footprint into Asia and will specialize in emerging countries. Under the terms of the agreement, OFI AM will hold 66% and DPAM 34%.
This asset management company, which will serve as a center of expertise for both partners, will have a team of about fifteen people and will regroup three main activities:
A fund management activity, including SRI strategies on equities and emerging bonds, for European investors;
A research and analysis activity, integrating extra-financial analysis based on ESG criteria, with a dedicated team covering the Asian markets, and working according to the methods developed within the two parent companies;
A local distribution activity of SRI funds, targeting a qualified Asian client base.
Subject to the obtaining of licenses by the market authorities according to the usual expected process, the asset management company is expected to start its activities at the beginning of the second half of 2021.
Jean-Pierre Grimaud, CEO of OFI AM: “As a leading international financial center, Hong Kong is a natural gateway to China and, more broadly, to Asia with the fastest growing economies in the world. The dynamism of these markets generates opportunities and needs for asset management. The combination of the expertise and strengths of OFI AM and DPAM, as well as the experience of both companies, particularly in the SRI field, allows us to be confident about the development prospects of the new asset management company’s activities.”
Hugo Lasat, CEO of DPAM: “I strongly believe that developing a local research presence and a sound knowledge of Asian emerging markets is essential to cover global sectors in depth and to enrich our existing research in Europe. We believe that there are opportunities for asset managers with key distinctive characteristics as active management, ESG solutions and proven investment processes. Our local presence in Asia will enhance our ability to get better insight in the dynamics of the area and deliver investment solutions that meet current clients’ needs and bring our offer to an enlarged future client base.”
About OFI Groupe
The Group is historically rooted in the social and solidarity economy. Its main shareholders are Macif and Matmut.
Created in 1971, OFI Group manages €67 billion of assets under management at the end of December 2020, both listed and unlisted, on behalf of institutional and wealthy clients, both French and international.
Choosing the players who create sustainable value for all means preparing for the future. Committed to responsible finance for nearly 25 years, the OFI Group is a reference in asset management and one of the French leaders in SRI.
About DPAM
DPAM is a leading independent asset manager that has been committed to offering active, sustainable and research-based investment solutions for over two decades.
DPAM is part of the Belgian group Degroof Petercam (founded in 1871) and operates internationally with offices in Amsterdam, Frankfurt, Geneva, Luxembourg, Madrid, Milan and Paris, as we value proximity with our partners. As of December 31st, 2020, DPAM has €43 billion of assets under management on behalf of clients and distributors.
