Affiliated Managers Group has acquired an equity interest in one of Asia’s largest independent alternative asset management firms.

Affiliated Managers Group (AMG) has acquired an equity interest in Baring Private Equity Asia (Baring Asia). Baring Asia’s senior partners will continue to hold a majority of the equity of the business and, consistent with AMG’s partnership approach, direct its day-to-day operations.

Based in Hong Kong, Baring Asia is the largest dedicated Asian private equity firm, and advises funds with total assets under management of over US$8 billion. Founded by Jean Eric Salata in 1997, Baring Asia’s investment philosophy is deeply rooted in the principles of capital preservation and diversified portfolio construction.

Over 30 Portfolio Companies across Asia

Through its pan-Asian investment platform spanning offices in Hong Kong, Shanghai, Beijing, Mumbai, Singapore, Jakarta, and Tokyo, Baring Asia’s 66 investment professionals specialize in growth-oriented investments, sponsoring management buyouts and providing capital to companies for expansion, recapitalization or acquisitions. Baring Asia has over 30 portfolio companies across Asia which had in aggregate 100,000 employees and US$30 billion in revenues in 2014. 

«Baring Asia is AMG’s first Affiliate based in Asia, and with its exceptional two-decade investment track record of returns and outstanding prospects for future growth, the firm is an excellent addition to our Affiliate group», said Sean M. Healey, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of AMG.

 Competititve Advantages

«We believe this partnership brings significant competitive advantages for our business. AMG’s investment is an endorsement of our firm’s position as a leading Asian alternative asset manager, and its unique partnership model allows us to preserve our investment independence, operational autonomy, and focus on generating strong returns for our clients over the long term» said Jean Eric Salata.

Baring Asia will use the proceeds of the transaction to fund the growth of its business and further align interests between its LPs and staff at the firm. As part of the transaction, Baring Asia’s leadership has agreed to long-term commitments with the firm. The terms of the transaction were not disclosed.