Actiam, a sustainable investing specialist, from Athora Netherlands has been acquired by Cardano Group.
The transaction, initially agreed in October 2021, has since received regulatory approval.
A Netherlands-based asset management company, Actiam has more than £18.5 billion in assets under management and has more than 30 years’ experience in sustainable and impact investing, including microfinance and SME financing, having launched its first impact investment fund in 2007.
The deal substantially broadens Cardano’s service provision particularly with investment funds, corporate sustainability analysis and ESG advice – noting it would allow it to offer “best-in-class” sustainable equity and fixed income portfolios in both the active and passive space, as well as sustainable stewardship, in house.
In the UK and the Netherlands, the pension advisory and investment management firm now manages more than £50bn of assets and employs over 500 employees across its advisory, investment management, and defined contribution businesses.
In addition to his current responsibilities at Cardano Netherlands, Harold Naus will take on the role of chief executive officer (CEO) at Actiam upon completion of the acquisition.
Naus takes over from Frank Kusse, who has stepped down as interim CEO and board member at Actiam but will be available as an adviser to ensure a smooth transition.
Cardano said the new Actiam board would consist of Naus as well as chief investment officer Hilde Veelaert, chief financial and risk officer Marc Strijbos, and chief operating officer Jorg Sunderman.
Our new colleagues bring a wealth of talent and experience and give our clients access to a broadened advisory and asset management proposition.
This deal is an important milestone in realising our ambition to offer the best-in-class sustainable solutions that maximise financial and social returns to pension funds and other long-term investors.
Michael de Lathauwer, Cardano Group CEO
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