LFIS Capital (LFIS), a European quantitative asset management firm, has formed a strategic partnership with Walter Global Asset Management (Walter GAM), a private equity platform specialising in the asset management industry.With this transaction, Walter GAM acquires a significant minority stake in LFIS, its third European investment. Walter GAM’s expertise and proven track record in supporting high-growth asset management businesses will help drive LFIS’ internal development and external growth and expand its strong footprint with Canadian institutional clients to investors across North America.
“When forging Walter GAM’s long-term partnerships, we pay particular attention to a firm’s growth potential and the calibre of its people – and LFIS stands out in both respects,” says Sylvain Brosseau, CEO and founding partner of Walter GAM. “The culture and expertise of their first-class team and LFIS’ unique approach to alternative, multi-asset and dedicated solutions provide a foundation for long-term success. Our team is very excited to accompany LFIS in this new chapter of its global development.”
Founded in 2013, LFIS manages USD11 billion in assets for clients across the globe and is known for delivering innovative solutions that blend investment banking and asset management expertise. This transaction builds on LFIS’ existing success in Canada and will leverage LFIS’ capacity to deliver its expertise though customised managed accounts.
Walter GAM is backed by a prominent Canadian diversified investment management organisation that has partnered with accomplished asset management executives. Walter GAM’s senior leaders were notably key contributors in building one of North America’s leading global asset management firms.
“A strategic partnership with Walter GAM provides us with a long-term international partner as we enter the next stage of our growth into the North American market,” says Arnaud Sarfati, co-founder and CEO of LFIS. “The experience and expertise of Walter GAM’s team of seasoned professionals will be a major boost to our expansion efforts, and we look forward to what the future holds.”
“Thanks to the relevance of our cross-asset, cross-instrument approach, the confidence of our clients and partners, and the dedication of the LFIS team, we are now an established business well positioned for the next stage in our evolution,” says Sofiène Haj-Taïeb, co-founder and President of LFIS. “We thank the La Française Group, for believing in LFIS’ potential and accompanying us as we have grown.”
The La Française Group will continue to provide certain support functions to LFIS through 2022. On 30 November, 2020, LFG exited its minority stake in LFIS.
The transaction between LFIS and Walter GAM is pending regulatory approval.
