Apex Group Ltd (Apex or The Group), a global financial services provider, has closed of the acquisition of ARM Swiss Representatives SA (ASR), following regulatory approval from FINMA.
ASR, a provider of Swiss Representation and Distribution services to foreign fund managers will now operate under the Apex sub-brand, FundRock, strengthening the Group’s local presence in Switzerland.
As part of FundRock, ASR will continue to provide compliance and regulatory services to over 630 funds and 350 fund managers internationally, seeking to market their funds in Switzerland in full compliance with local laws. ASR brings an additional 12 fund manager clients for whom it acts as the distributor in Switzerland across a diverse range of investment strategies.
ASR’s integration into the Group will enable clients to benefit from Apex’s international footprint; accessing new markets through the Group’s globally connected operating model across 50 offices, supported by 5,000 employees. In addition, Apex’s clients will now receive enhanced regulatory compliance and distribution services and assistance when accessing the Swiss market.
Upon completion of the planned acquisitions of Mainstream Group and Sanne Group, Apex will service USD2.2 trillion in assets across administration, custody, depositary and under management. This integration of ASR is the latest in a series of strategic acquisitions driving the Group’s expansion strategy for fund marketing and distribution services in Europe including the recent launch of CSSF-regulated FundRock Distribution SA, to provide fund distribution solutions to non-EU asset managers, and the launch of Apex Profilir, a digital marketing platform designed to connect LPs and GPs and support the capital raising process.
Peter Hughes, Founder and CEO of Apex Group, comments: “We are pleased to announce the close of the acquisition of ASR as we continue to provide our global client base with the marketing and distribution support they require. ASR is a highly attractive and complementary addition to our offering and the team’s extensive knowledge of the Swiss market and regulatory landscape further strengthens our compelling client proposition.”
Anne Empain, Co-Founder & CEO, and Greg Taylor, Co-Founder & Head of Distribution at ASR, adds: “We are delighted to join the Apex Group. Being part of a global business will provide us with the scale and network to support a wider range of foreign managers and promoters seeking to market their funds and financial services in Switzerland. As Apex continues to develop its distribution and capital introduction platforms for European investors, we look forward to the opportunities this will offer the Swiss market.”
Lenz and Staehelin provided legal counsel to Apex Group. Geneva LBO Group SA served as M&A advisor and CMS von Erlach Partners SA advised ASR on the legal and regulatory aspects of the transaction.
