In the third major deal to hit the mutual fund space in two days, Natixis Global Asset Management announced that it has reached an agreement to acquire McDonnell Investment Management, LLC (McDonnell). McDonnell is an Oak Brook, Illinois-based investment advisor with approximately $13.5 billion in assets under management (September 30, 2012) for institutions and individuals.

As a new NGAM affiliate, McDonnell expands the product range distributed through NGAM’s global distribution network. NGAM expects to launch a new municipal bond product in early 2013.

The news follows Schwab's [profile] purchase of $2.3 billion asset manager ThomasPartners and Neuberger [profile] taking over the $900 million book of business from Glickenhaus & Co. [profile].

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Company Press Release

Natixis Global Asset Management Acquires McDonnell Investment Management, LLC

Expands the company’s offering for investors seeking exposure to core fixed income and municipal bond products; plans to launch new municipal bond product in early 2013

Natixis Global Asset Management (NGAM) announced today that it has reached an agreement to acquire McDonnell Investment Management, LLC (McDonnell). McDonnell is an Oak Brook, Illinois-based investment advisor with approximately $13.5 billion in assets under management (September 30, 2012) for institutions and individuals. As a new NGAM affiliate, McDonnell expands the product range distributed through NGAM’s global distribution network. NGAM expects to launch a new municipal bond product in early 2013.

“Bringing McDonnell’s fixed income and municipal bond expertise into the NGAM family is a positive step toward fulfilling a critical need for clients who are focused on durable portfolio construction,” said Pierre Servant, chief executive officer, Natixis Global Asset Management. “McDonnell has consistently demonstrated the entrepreneurial spirit, innovation and solid performance that are all hallmarks of our family of affiliates. The firm has attained success in increasing assets under management in a controlled fashion across all business channels by focusing on the needs of its clients.”

McDonnell is a registered investment advisor providing investment management services to institutions, private clients and mutual fund companies. The firm is known for its expertise and specialization in fixed income investment management, offering customized portfolio solutions employing investment grade taxable and tax-exempt strategies to a geographically diversified client base through investment management consultants and participation on separately managed account platforms. Client portfolio mandates encompass a breadth of fixed income strategies including municipal bond, core bond, limited duration, multi-sector and liability targeted benchmarks. In addition to separate account portfolios, the firm sub-advises three municipal bond funds and offers one private investment fund with an international bond mandate.

"We are very pleased to be affiliated with a global financial organization of this size and stature," said Edward A. Treichel, President and CEO at McDonnell. "With this partnership, McDonnell gains greater access to the capital required to continue to serve our clients, build our business and to pursue new product opportunities. We will also have access to a broader distribution base and enhanced growth potential as a result of this affiliation."

n keeping with the NGAM multi-affiliate business model, McDonnell will continue to operate autonomously with no change in management or professional staff. The existing team of investment professionals will continue to pursue the same investment philosophy and employ the same investment process on behalf of clients, and the firm will continue to market these investment services through existing distribution channels. McDonnell will also retain its brand name and its suburban Chicago headquarters. Transaction terms were not disclosed.

About Natixis Global Asset Management, S.A.

Natixis Global Asset Management, S.A. is one of the 15 largest asset managers in the world based on assets under management.1 Its affiliated asset management companies provide investment products that seek to enhance and protect the wealth and retirement assets of both institutional and individual investor clients. Its proprietary distribution network helps package and deliver its affiliates’ products around the world. Natixis Global Asset Management, S.A. brings together the expertise of multiple specialized investment managers based in Europe, the United States and Asia to offer a wide spectrum of equity, fixed-income and alternative investment strategies.

Headquartered in Paris and Boston, Natixis Global Asset Management, S.A.’s assets under management totaled $711 billion (€560 billion) as of June 30, 2012.2 Natixis Global Asset Management, S.A. is part of Natixis. Listed on the Paris Stock Exchange, Natixis is a subsidiary of BPCE, the second-largest banking group in France. Natixis Global Asset Management, S.A.’s affiliated investment management firms and distribution and service groups include: Absolute Asia Asset Management; AEW Capital Management; AEW Europe; AlphaSimplex Group; Aurora Investment Management; Capital Growth Management; Caspian Private Equity; Darius Capital Partners; Gateway Investment Advisers; H2O Asset Management; Hansberger Global Investors; Harris Associates; IDFC Asset Management Company; Loomis, Sayles & Company; Natixis Asset Management; Natixis Multimanager; Ossiam; Reich & Tang Asset Management; Snyder Capital Management; and Vaughan Nelson Investment Management.

About McDonnell Investment Management, LLC

McDonnell was founded as a 100% employee owned company and SEC registered investment advisor on November 1, 2001 by former employees of Van Kampen Management Inc. (“VKMI”). Dennis McDonnell, Chairman, and Edward Treichel had originally begun assembling the fixed income talent in 1987 while at VKMI, growing the team for over a decade until they acquired the business from Van Kampen Investments Inc. McDonnell manages several investment disciplines for portfolios of taxable securities (U.S. government & agency bonds, structured securities and corporate bonds) and municipal bonds. McDonnell is known for its experienced portfolio management professionals, highly regarded credit research resources and responsive client service capabilities. More information is available atwww.mcdonnellinvestments.com. 

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