Columbia Management announced today that it will rebrand its business as Columbia Threadneedle Investments in the first half of 2015. The new global brand will represent the combined capabilities, resources and reach of Columbia and UK-based Threadneedle Investments, offering clients access to the best of both firms and positioning the asset management group for a greater share of global growth.
Threadneedle has assets under management (AUM) of $150 billion (as of September 30, 2014) and is the fifth largest retail asset manager in the UK (IMA as of October 31, 2014). Together, Columbia and Threadneedle have $505 billion in AUM across developed and emerging market equities, fixed income, multi-asset solutions and alternatives. Both firms are owned by Ameriprise Financial.
The new brand – Columbia Threadneedle Investments – will reinforce the strength of both firms in established markets of the U.S., UK, and Europe and enable the group to grow its presence in key markets, including Asia Pacific, Latin America and the Middle East, stated the firm.
The established investment teams, strategies, processes and legal entities at both firms will not change as a result of the new global brand. Similarly, existing funds will not change, nor will existing client portfolios and mandates.
“This is an important and exciting new phase for us. We are bringing together a combined offering under the Columbia Threadneedle Investments global brand for the benefit of our clients and our business,” said Ted Truscott, CEO – Global Asset Management, Ameriprise Financial. “Columbia and Threadneedle have been working together for more than two years to increase the breadth and depth of our offering to clients. Presenting the combined capabilities of both firms under a single brand is the natural next step.”
“We are introducing the Columbia Threadneedle Investments brand to reflect the significant resources and expertise available to our teams around the globe. By working together we add depth to our offerings, enabling us to make better investment decisions and ultimately generate better performance for our clients, and the new global brand reflects this. Clients around the world benefit from our combined research ideas and insights, trading techniques and portfolio strategies,” Truscott said.
“Columbia and Threadneedle share many philosophies and values, including a commitment to delivering the investment outcomes our clients expect,” said Colin Moore, Global Chief Investment Officer. “In a world where financial markets and economies are increasingly interconnected, being part of a strong global partnership with our colleagues at Threadneedle is a considerable advantage. Over recent years we have deliberately fostered an environment of information sharing and debate between Columbia and Threadneedle, and I believe the aggregate resource is world class. While our investment teams remain true to their respective styles and processes, the sharing of research globally allows us to make full use of our collective intellectual capital and better inform our decisions to the benefit of our clients.”
“Columbia and Threadneedle have a shared vision, business strategy and values, albeit with distinct investment capabilities, local distribution and unique product offerings,” said Campbell Fleming, CEO of Threadneedle. “Under the new brand we become a global group, presenting our combined resources, investment perspectives and expertise to better serve our clients, both individuals and institutions, around the world.”
Columbia Threadneedle Investments Key Facts (on an aggregated basis):
- $505 billion in assets under management1
- Over 2,000 people and over 500 dedicated investment professionals4
- Locations in 18 countries across North America, Europe, Asia Pacific and the Middle East
- Investment offices in London, Singapore, Boston, Minneapolis, New York, Chicago, Portland, Oregon, and other U.S. locations
- 30th largest global asset manager3, 11th largest manager of long-term funds in the U.S.5, 5th largest retail manager in the UK2
- 121 funds are Morningstar 4- or 5-star rated6
1 As of September 30, 2014
2 IMA as of October 31, 2014
3 Towers Watson as of December 31, 2013 – Ameriprise Financial
4 As of December 1, 2014
5 ICI as of October 31, 2014
6 Threadneedle Investments and Columbia Management as of September 30, 2014 (funds may not be available in all jurisdictions)