Investment management business Fidante has acquired a minority stake in Latigo, a fund manager specialising in event-driven investing. As part of the transaction, the Life division of Fidante’s parent company, Challenger Limited, has made an investment in Latigo’s funds.
Founded in 2005 by David Ford (pictured), and David Sabath, Latigo has focused on building a unique offering in event-driven investing. Latigo’s strategies include distressed securities, special situations and long/short credit and equity investing.
Partnering with Latigo is consistent with Fidante’s strategy of expanding alternatives offerings. Fidante invests in specialist investment managers with differentiated strategies where active investment management skills can deliver attractive results for investors.
Fidante’s specialist distribution and business development expertise will provide Latigo with access to well-suited, long-term global institutional investors including sovereign wealth funds, national pensions and superannuation funds.
Cathy Hales, Global Head, Fidante Partners, says: “Latigo’s event-driven investment strategy is highly relevant in today’s investment climate. We are excited by the opportunity to partner with a high-quality team and bring their active investment management skills to the attention of institutional investors in the UK and Europe, in addition to other key markets such as Australia and Japan.
“We believe we have found in Latigo a very positive business culture fit with the Fidante team. We admire Latigo’s focus on delivering investment results to their clients and their passion for their investment craft.
“This investment and partnership with Latigo is part of Fidante Partners’ global growth plans. We are always striving to offer our clients access to innovative strategies from best of breed boutique managers around the world.”
David Ford, Co-founder of Latigo, says: “This strategic partnership with Fidante and long-term investment from Challenger allow us to better focus on what we do best – identifying needle-in-a-haystack investment opportunities. Additionally, access to Fidante’s distribution and business development capabilities will help expand our reach to a global base of investors.”
David Sabath, Co-founder of Latigo, says: “Fidante is a great cultural match for Latigo and we look forward to partnering with them as we position the firm for our next phase of growth.”
