A European distribution network ally to asset managers is poised to buy a asset and wealth management firm here in the U.S., near San Francisco.

Steve Matthew Savage Litman Gregory Asset Management, LLC CEO, Managing Principal

Today Steve Savage (CEO of Litman Gregory [profile]), Philippe Couvrecelle (CEO and founder of iM Global Partner [profile]), and Jeff Seeley (deputy CEO and head of the U.S. for iM Global Partner) confirm that Paris-based iM Global Partner has agreed to buy Walnut Creek, California-based Litman Gregory. The 34-year-old RIA has $2.2 billion in AUA and has $4 billion in AUM, as of December 31. (Litman Gregory has a 25-year-old, multi-manager, high-conviction, subadvised mutual fund family, the PartnerSelect funds.)

The deal is expected to close next quarter. It is expected to boost iM Global's AUM to more than $24 billion. And, as Seeley told MFWire in 2019, the firm had been looking to buy a distribution platform on this side of the pond.

"iM Global Partner brings complementary global research resources and strong alignment on total client focus," Litman Gregory's Savage states. "The combination of our organizations is a natural fit because of our shared research DNA, commitment to independent thinking, integrity and total client focus."

iM Global's Couvrecelle adds that the deal is "a major step forward" in the firm's expansion in the U.S.

"This strategic operation allows us to add Wealth Management as a key new activity for iM Global Partner," Couvrecelle states.

And Seeley states that the iM Global Team "sees tremendous opportunities for the continued development of long-term investment solutions to serve various clients in the U.S. and internationally." 

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