BNP Paribas emerges as candidate for AXA IM acquisition

Natixis also linked

BNP Paribas is among a number of firms looking at the potential buy-out of AXA's €735bn asset management arm, AXA Investment Managers.

Sources told Bloomberg the French banking giant has looked at the possibility of combining BNP Paribas' asset management unit with AXA IM. Last Friday, it was reported AXA was currently reviewing consolidation options, with Natixis being touted as one potential candidate. The French duo were reportedly holding talks about merging their asset management operations, but no final decisions have been made. Earlier this year, Jean Raby, CEO of Natixis Global Asset Management, said the firm was "constantly on the lookout" for potential acquisitions. The news comes as consolidation wit...