THETRADETECH DAILY news
THE OFFICIAL NEWSPAPER OF TRADETECH 2026
M & A
John Ions
Liontrust is set to acquire specialist investment manager, River Global’ s asset management business, in a deal valued at £ 7.6 million in shares.
The acquisition – which is currently set to close by 31 August 2026 – is expected to expand Liontrust’ s investment capabilities and client base by integrating new investment trusts and strategic partners.
In addition, if certain conditions of the European Opportunities Trust( EOT) mandate are met, Liontrust will also issue additional‘ adjustment shares’ of £ 2.1 million.
“ The acquisition of River Global is an important step forward for Liontrust,” said John Ions, chief executive of Liontrust.
“ River Global’ s investment capabilities are complementary to Liontrust’ s established processes and funds and combining them will create a stronger and broader platform for future growth. The enlarged business will diversify products, performance and the client base.”
Currently, River Global’ s offering covers longonly equities, spanning UK, Indian and global strategies.
Through the move, Liontrust will also gain access to a greater physical investment presence in Asia, through acquiring River Global’ s team managing the India Capital Growth investment trust.
In a similar vein, River Global will benefit from Liontrust’ s sales and marketing expertise to expand UK and international distribution capabilities, as well as helping the firm in building out its client base.
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Liontrust strikes £ 7.6 million deal to acquire River Global’ s asset management arm
THE ACQUISITION IS EXPECTED TO CLOSE BEFORE SEPTEMBER 2026 AND WILL BOLSTER THE UK-BASED ASSET MANAGER’ S PLATFORM THROUGH ENHANCED INVESTMENT CAPABILITIES AND A BROADER CLIENT BASE.
and former chief executive and co-founder of Aberdeen Standard Investments, Martin Gilbert will step into the role of executive chair of River Global to provide asset management expertise.
“ River Global and Liontrust are two highly complementary businesses and it makes perfect sense to bring them together,” said Gilbert.
“ River Global and its shareholders, clients and people will benefit immediately from becoming part of a wider group, with powerful distribution and marketing resources that will accelerate the inflows we are seeing into our funds as well as broader all-round growth opportunities.”
Liontrust has also confirmed that its current investment capabilities will not be impacted by the proposed acquisition.
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