Threadneedle Investments (Threadneedle) today announces that it will rebrand its business as Columbia Threadneedle Investments in the first half of 2015. The new global brand will represent the combined capabilities, reach and resource of Threadneedle and its US-based affiliate Columbia Management, offering clients access to the best of both firms and positioning the group for a greater share of global growth.
Columbia Management (Columbia) has assets under management of US$358 billion (at 30 Sept 2014) and is the 11th largest manager of long-term mutual fund assets in the US. Together, Threadneedle and Columbia have US$505 billion in AUM across developed and emerging market equities, fixed income, multi-asset solutions and alternatives (including UK property). Both Columbia and Threadneedle are owned by leading US financial services firm Ameriprise Financial (NYSE: AMP) and together form the 30th largest global asset management group.
The new global brand — Columbia Threadneedle Investments — will enable the firm to grow its presence in key regions including Asia Pacific, Latin America and the Middle East while reinforcing both firms’ strengths in established markets of the UK, Europe and the US.
The investment strategies, philosophies and processes of both companies will not change as a result of the new global brand.
Raymundo Yu, Asia Pacific Chairman of Threadneedle, said: “This is an important step for Threadneedle Investments and for our clients in Asia and globally. For the past two years we have been working with our Columbia colleagues to increase the breadth and depth of our offering to Asian clients. Presenting the combined capabilities of both firms under a single global brand is the natural next chapter and is an exciting development for us.
“Our business in Asia leverages the considerable investment capabilities of Threadneedle Investments and Columbia Management, and this will be better reflected by a truly global brand. Columbia Threadneedle Investments brings together the combined offering of two well established asset managers for the benefit of our clients and our business. Under the new brand we become a global group, presenting our combined resources, investment perspectives and expertise to better serve investors, both individuals and institutions, across the region.”
“Asian investors want managers who can create solutions and generate strong returns in all regions of the world. Working together under the banner of Columbia Threadneedle Investments, we offer the scale, breadth and depth to compete by bringing the best talents, capabilities and solutions from around the world and tailoring these to the needs of Asian clients,” Mr Yu said.
Colin Moore, Global Chief Investment Officer, Columbia Management said: “Columbia and Threadneedle share many philosophies and values, including a commitment to delivering the investment outcomes our clients expect. In a world where financial markets and economies are increasingly interconnected, having a strong established investment capability in Asia, Europe and the US is a considerable advantage. Over recent years we have deliberately fostered an environment of information sharing and debate between Columbia and Threadneedle. Our investment teams remain true to their respective styles and processes; however, the sharing of research globally allows us to make full use of our collective intellectual capital. This has given us a stronger global research platform, generating ideas and analysis for our portfolio managers.”
Ted Truscott, CEO – Global Asset Management for Ameriprise Financial, said: “We are introducing the Columbia Threadneedle Investments brand to reflect the significant resources and expertise available to our teams around the globe. By working together we add depth to our offerings, enabling us to make better investment decisions and ultimately generate better performance for our clients, and the new global brand reflects this. Clients globally benefit from our combined research ideas and insights, trading techniques and portfolio strategies and from the strength, stability and resource of our parent company, Ameriprise Financial.”
The new brand will be introduced globally in the first half of 2015. The established investment teams, strategies and processes in place at both firms will not change. Nor will Threadneedle’s existing funds or client portfolios and mandates. There will be no change to the corporate structure or regulated entities as a result of the new brand.
Key facts: Columbia Threadneedle Investments
-Combined AUM of US$505 billion across developed and emerging market equities, fixed income, multi-asset solutions and alternatives, including UK property.
-Present in 18 countries across Asia Pacific, Europe, North America and the Middle East. Asian presence includes offices in Singapore, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Malaysia and Korea.
-Over 500 investment professionals, based in London, Singapore, Boston, Minneapolis, New York, Chicago, Portland and other US locations.
-Over 2000 people in total.
-The group is the 30th largest global asset manager, 5th largest retail manager in the UK, 11th largest manager of long-term funds in the US.
-121 funds are Morningstar 4 or 5-star rated.
-Owned by NY-listed Ameriprise Financial, a leading US diversified financial services company. Ameriprise has US$797 billion in total assets under management and administration (at 30 Sept 2014) and is the US leader in financial planning.
For media enquiries please contact:
Grace Chow
Threadneedle Investments
T: +65 6309 1089
About Threadneedle Investments
Threadneedle is a leading international investment manager with a strong track record of outperformance across asset classes. We actively manage US$150.1 billion (as at 30 Sept 2014) of assets, investing on behalf of individuals, pension funds, insurers and corporations. Established in 1994 in London, Threadneedle has a presence in 17 countries.
Threadneedle’s distinctive investment approach is based on creative thinking, sharing of ideas and rigorous debate. Our c.160 investment professionals invest across developed and emerging market equities, fixed income, commodities and UK property. As at 30 September 2014, 57% of Threadneedle funds outperformed over 1 year, 68% over 3 years and 83% over 5 years[1]. In 2014, Threadneedle has won over 70 prestigious fund management industry awards globally[2].
Threadneedle is owned by Ameriprise Financial (NYSE: AMP), a leading US diversified financial services company with US$797 billion in assets under management and administration (as at 30 Sept 2014). As its international investment platform, Threadneedle provides Ameriprise and its retail and institutional clients with world class investment solutions.
[1] All funds managed by Threadneedle, including segregated accounts/portfolios. The data does not include funds sub-advised by third parties or guest funds on a Threadneedle platform. All figures are as at 30 Sept 2014, in GBP unless stated otherwise. Total value of funds outperforming their relevant benchmark expressed as a percentage of total assets under management. This information aims to demonstrate the overall performance capabilities of Threadneedle’s asset management team. It is not intended to indicate the performance of individual funds or products. Please refer to product specific documentation in relation to individual funds. The value of investments and any income is not guaranteed and can go down as well as up.
About Columbia Management
Columbia Management is a leading manager of long-term mutual fund assets with US$358 billion under management (as at 30 Sept 2014). Columbia Management is a subsidiary of Ameriprise Financial, Inc. (NYSE: AMP).
Past performance is not a guide to future performance.
The value of investments and any income is not guaranteed and can go down as well as up and may be affected by exchange rate fluctuations. This means that an investor may not get back the amount invested.
The research and analysis included in this document has been produced by Threadneedle Investments for its own investment management activities, may have been acted upon prior to publication and is made available here incidentally. Any opinions expressed are made as at the date of publication but are subject to change without notice. Information obtained from external sources is believed to be reliable but its accuracy or completeness cannot be guaranteed.
Issued in Australia by Threadneedle Investments Singapore (Pte.) Limited (“TIS”) (ARBN 600 027 414). To the extent that this document contains financial product advice, that advice is provided by TIS. TIS is exempt from the requirement to hold an Australian financial services licence under the Corporations Act in respect of the financial services it provides. TIS is regulated by the Monetary Authority of Singapore under the Securities and Futures Act (Chapter 289), which differ from Australian laws.
This material is for information only and does not constitute an offer or solicitation of an order to buy or sell any securities or other financial instruments, or to provide investment advice or services to any retail client. Only persons who are wholesale clients are eligible to invest with TIS.
Columbia Threadneedle Investments will be the global brand name of the Columbia and Threadneedle group of companies.