The Berens Capital Management team and their funds are to become become part of Alternative Investment Group on 1 June. Berens Capital Management is a global asset manager known for its high-quality research and focus on emerging and frontier markets.
Terms of the transaction have not been disclosed.
The transaction will position the combined team as a leader in emerging markets multi-manager investing, with Berens Capital Management’s emerging and frontier markets expertise complementing Alternative Investment Group’s longstanding strengths in US and international long/short equity, credit, mortgages, event-driven and sustainability/ESG strategies. The transaction will increase Alternative Investment Group’s assets under management to approximately USD1.25 billion.
David Storrs, Co-Founder, President and CEO of Alternative Investment Group, says: “This is a great development for our firm and enables us to deliver a broader array of investment solutions to our clients. In Berens Capital, we have found a partner that is as passionate and dedicated as we are in delivering compelling investments and top-notch client service. I have known Rod Berens for many years and he and his colleagues will allow us to expand our investment capability in emerging and frontier markets.”
“Emerging markets were up 37 per cent last year and we expect that with higher growth rates and more attractive valuations, emerging and frontier markets will significantly outperform developed markets. Berens Capital’s strong experience and long track record will help our investors access best-in-class emerging markets managers.”
Rodney Berens, Founder and Co-CIO of Berens Capital Management, says: “We share David’s enthusiasm for the return potential from investing in the developing world, and joining Alternative Investment Group will substantially enhance our ability to jointly exploit these opportunities for our clients. Our firms share similar cultures and a dedication to sourcing and partnering with exceptional investment managers. We are looking forward to joining with Alternative Investment Group to benefit our investors, employees and the managers we invest in.”
Berens Capital Management Co-CIOs Rodney Berens and Timothy Schilt will continue as Co-CIOs of the Berens Capital Management portfolios and will become partners of Alternative Investment Group. Berens and Schilt will join the Alternative Investment Group Investment Committees, contributing their expertise to the firm’s overall investment decisions. Berens Capital Management President Kathleen Kimiko Phillips-Lohrmann will join Alternative Investment Group’s Management Committee.
