M&A among asset managers hits 8-year high

Deals worth $41bn in 2017

Merger and acquisition activity in the investment management industry has climbed to the highest levels seen since the fallout from the financial crisis.

The total value of deals announced in 2017 reached $40.9bn, the highest since 2009, although the volume of transactions fell to its lowest level since 2006, according to the FT, which used data from research company Dealogic. The shift suggests the industry is seeing larger deals among mid-cap companies. Groups' profit margins have been feeling the pressure from the rising popularity of passive investing and the increase in research costs due to the new Mifid II rules. Consolidation in the asset management industry: How will it shape the future landscape? "These types of mergers te...