Financial conglomerate Azimut Group to acquire North Square Investments in a significant move expanding its investment portfolio.
In a significant development, Azimut Group has announced the acquisition of North Square Investments (NSI), a UK-based asset management firm specialising in absolute return strategies. This move marks Azimut's second home market after Italy and is expected to expand its footprint in the U.S. and European markets.
The deal, which is set to close in early 2026 pending regulatory approvals, will see the workforce of NSI expand to over 100 employees. Mark Goodwin, Co-Founder and CEO of NSI, stated that the acquisition will capitalise on North Square's distribution success since its founding in 2018.
Piper Sandler served as the exclusive financial advisor to NSI, while Kirkland & Ellis served as legal counsel to NSI and Estancia. Sidley Austin served as legal counsel to Azimut.
Following the acquisition, Kennedy Capital Management will become a subsidiary of NSI, which will be renamed Azimut NSI. This move is expected to benefit the company's investment teams and all the retail clients who have put their trust in North Square investment products.
The acquisition will enable North Square to offer additional product capabilities, including global equity, global fixed income, private equity, private credit, and alternative investments. Azimut Group expects to gain strong U.S. distribution capabilities through the acquisition, while NSI will enhance its offering with exclusive, top-tier global investment strategies for its clients.
Takashi Moriuchi, Managing Director and Co-Founder of Estancia, stated that they identified non-U.S. asset managers seeking access to the largest retail pool of assets in the world as high-probability future partners. They are pleased that NSI's next phase of growth will be driven by a significant commitment from Azimut.
Giorgio Medda, CEO of Azimut Group, stated that NSI is an exceptional fit for their Group, as it operates as an integrated asset management and distribution firm with outstanding reach and execution. The strategic rationale for this deal involves integrating North Square’s investment expertise into Azimut's platform, leveraging Azimut’s global distribution network, cross-selling opportunities between the client bases of both firms, and strengthening presence in key regions such as Europe, the UK, and potentially other global markets.
For more precise and updated details on Azimut Group’s background and post-acquisition strategy related to North Square Investments, it is recommended to consult Azimut Group’s official press releases, investor relations announcements, or reputable financial news outlets covering asset management mergers and acquisitions.
The acquisition of North Square Investments (NSI) by Azimut Group brings private equity investment into play, as the deal is expected to benefit both parties in the business world. With this move, Azimut Group will expand its finance portfolio, incorporating global equity, fixed income, private equity, private credit, and alternative investments offered by NSI. The strategic rationale behind this deal includes leveraging Azimut's global distribution network, cross-selling opportunities between the client bases of both firms, and strengthening presence in key regions such as Europe, the UK, and potentially other global markets.
