Threadneedle Acquires Standard Chartered's Mutual Fund Business

Threadneedle, a London-based international asset management company, has completed the acquisition of Standard Chartered Bank’s World Express Funds investment funds business.

This transaction provides Threadneedle with an established Luxembourg-based SICAV (Societe d'Investissement A Capital Variable) platform, including 35 funds, to complement its existing range of funds and products. The SICAV platform strengthens Threadneedle’s product range, providing better alignment with the needs of different investors by offering a wider choice of investment vehicles. The deal significantly accelerates the company’s global expansion by enhancing and opening up new channels in Europe and Asia, in particular with distributors such as banks serving retail clients, and provides an immediate entry into the Taiwan market.

This strategic initiative marks an important milestone in Threadneedle’s on-going growth plan across major European and Asian markets. Threadneedle expects the World Express Funds platform to help continue to grow Threadneedle’s presence globally.

James Campion, Head of Asia Distribution, Threadneedle said, “We’re delighted with the completion of this deal. This acquisition not only enhances our fund range but it also enables us to offer more choice for investors across Europe and Asia. Our strategic partnership with one of the premium global banks will also help facilitate Threadneedle’s development and distribution expansion, particularly in Asia.”