carl
With the recent takeover of Hargreaves Lansdown, speculation is rife about which London-listed asset manager might be next to attract private equity interest. Analysts suggest that this significant investment could shift the competitive landscape, particularly impacting the direct-to-consumer (D2C) propositions of companies like AJ BELL and ABRDN’s Interactive Investor. The possibility of further consolidation looms as private equity firms, flush with cash, may look for new targets.
AJ BELL’s strong market performance makes it a less likely takeover candidate, though nothing can be ruled out in the current climate. Meanwhile, ABRDN’s Interactive Investor remains a key asset, although management might entertain a suitable offer given the intensifying market competition.
Brooks Macdonald is another name that has long been rumoured as a takeover target, especially after reports of the company working with investment bank Raymond James to fend off potential bids. Similarly, LIONTRUST and Jupiter Asset Management are both actively seeking acquisitions, with their stock prices suffering significant declines, making them likely targets themselves.
Assetco, soon to be renamed River Global, has also been the focus of takeover speculation, with talks reportedly held last year regarding parts of the business. M&G, too, was previously linked to takeover rumours involving Schroders and Macquarie, although these have since cooled.
The Hargreaves Lansdown buyout is unlikely to be the last, with many asset managers potentially in play as private equity continues to eye opportunities for expansion.
