US fund giant Federated Investors among four considering bid for Hermes IM

'In talks for several months'

New York-based asset manager Federated Investors is one of four firms eyeing a potential bid for Hermes Investment Management, which is owned by the BT Pension Scheme, according to reports.

The $364bn US company has been in talks with the UK's biggest corporate retirement scheme about a potential acquisition for several months, according to Sky News. Other suitors for Hermes, which has £28bn in assets under management, who have apparently expressed an interest in the business include Australian fund manager Challenger, US-based Old Mutual Asset Management and Eaton Vance. According to reports, chief executive Saker Nusseibeh, is thought to be playing a leading role in the discussions while Fenchurch Advisory Partners is acting for the Hermes management team. Sky sourc...