Asset managers Boyd Watterson and Amber Infrastructure agree merger

Investment management firms Boyd Watterson Asset Management and Amber Infrastructure have merged to create a $36bn (€33.2bn) global alternative investment platform.

The two firms are coming together under an unspecified “common parent company” to create a diversified, complementary investment platform across real estate, fixed income and global infrastructure sectors, in a tie-up that will also provide “new investment opportunities and access to capital”.

As part of the merger, Boyd Watterson’s CEO Brian Gevry will serve as chairman and CEO of the combined parent entity, and Amber’s current CEO Gavin Tait, will continue to serve as the head of Amber and oversee the Infrastructure business globally, reporting to Gevry.

US-based Boyd Watterson, founded in 1928, has $18.2bn in total assets under management across its real estate and fixed income investment portfolios. 

Founded in 2009, UK-based Amber is an infrastructure investor with $17.5bn in managed assets. The company focuses on mobilsing private capital to fund essential infrastructure projects around the world.

Gevry said: “With the combination of Amber Infrastructure Group, we are broadening our scope and opening up exciting new investment opportunities for our clients.

“We are both recognised leaders in our asset classes with exceptional talent who continually strive to outperform customer expectations. Now we will have greater reach and ability to build on each team’s respective expertise to deliver products and performance to a global client base.”

Tait said: “Both firms have a keen focus on delivering outstanding client service and proven expertise in partnering with governments around the world. 

“The planned combination will create greater scale for Amber to grow its global infrastructure business, including US Infrastructure opportunities, while bringing new opportunities for Boyd Watterson’s clients.”

Hunt Companies is an investor in both companies.

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