Genstar Capital has signed a definitive agreement to acquire Asset International (AI), a provider of data, information and marketing services to the asset management industry. The transaction is expected to close in July 2014.
Asset International (AI) provides data, business intelligence, and information services to the global investment management industry. AI delivers proprietary data and analytics, as well as marketing solutions that target global asset managers. The company’s client base includes over 500 of the most prominent names in the asset management industry, representing more than $20 trillion of global AUM. Its recognized data products include the Simfund Mutual Fund database, Strategic Insight, Investor Economics, and Plan for Life. AI’s portfolio of brands includes PLANSPONSOR, PLANADVISER, Chief Investment Officer, Global Custodian, and The Trade. The company was founded in 2009 by Chairman and CEO Jim Casella (www.assetinternational.com).
“Asset International is a strong, vertically focused information services business that we have followed for several years, and it is an exciting platform from which to build a global leader in financial data and marketing services. We are pleased that Jim Casella chose to partner with us and we look forward to working with him to capture additional customers, accelerate product innovation, and expand the geographic reach of the company. Given the significant fragmentation among information providers globally, we have also committed capital to pursue acquisitions,” said Tony Salewski, Principal of Genstar.
Genstar Capital invests from $50 million to $400 million in middle-market companies that have enterprise values from $50 million to $1 billion and EBITDAs greater than $15 million. Sectors of interest include financial services, software, healthcare, and industrial technology industries. The firm was founded in 1988 and is based in San Francisco (www.gencap.com).
“Our superior data has allowed us to build strong client relationships, and our business intelligence products are differentiated by their quality and ease of use. We are uniquely positioned to grow our client base and benefit from the long-term growth in retirement saving and planning driven by aging demographic trends worldwide,” said Jim Casella. “With Genstar’s help and expertise we will better capitalize on opportunities within our existing base of large enterprise clients, expand the product portfolio into adjacent sectors, and increase market share in underpenetrated international geographies.”
2014 PEPD • Private Equity’s Leading News Magazine • 6-20-14
