ODDO BHF Asset Management and Metropole Gestion have announced their merger. In a press release, they have revealed that ODDO BHF AM has acquired 100% of the equity capital of this independent French asset manager specializing in value investing, which was founded in 2002 by François-Marie Wojcik and Isabel Levy. The transaction is still subject to approval by the French Autorité des Marchés Financiers (AMF).
In their view, this link-up will avail clients of both companys of “a unique investment style” that has been implemented for over 20 years by a “stable and dedicated team” led by Isabel Levy and Ingrid Trawinski.
Specifically, the expertise of Metropole Gestion will enrich ODDO BHF AM’s existing product offering. Both investment firms have already placed environmental, social and governance (ESG) criteria at the heart of their investment processes for several years now.
Meanwhile, Metropole Gestion’s fund range will benefit from ODDO BHF AM’s European distribution capacities, particularly in France, Germany, and Switzerland, with institutional clients, distributors and independent financial advisors. Meanwhile, the merger will give ODDO BHF AM’s strategies access to distribution in the US and UK, where Metropole Gestion is already present.
“In almost 20 years, Metropole Gestion has built up renowned know-how in value-oriented investment style, thanks to the trust that investors have placed in it, and backed by a highly skilled and devoted team. This know-how will be the cornerstone of the greater reach it will have within the framework of this merger”, said Francois-Marie Wojcik, Chairman and CEO of Metropole Gestion.
Isabel Levy, Deputy CEO and Chief Investment Officer of the independent firm comment that this merger addresses their wish to join up with “an ambitious business strategy” by combining teams with “renowned and complementary skills and similar cultures.”
Lastly, Nicolas Chaput, CEO of ODDO BHF AM claimed to be “very pleased” to welcome the Metropole Gestion team, whom they know well and for whom they have “the utmost respect”. “The value-oriented investment style implemented by Isabel’s and Ingrid’s teams will enrich the Group’s product offering and meet the expectations of many of our clients”, he concluded.
For Funds Society, Madrid
