Cardano Group CEO Michael de Lathauwer
Cardano Group has completed its acquisition of sustainable investing specialist Actiam from Athora Netherlands.
The transaction, which was initially agreed in October 2021, has since received regulatory approval.
Actiam is a Dutch asset management company, with more than £18.5bn in assets under management and nearly 30 years of experience in sustainable and impact investing -particularly in microfinance and SME finance, having launched its first impact investment fund in 2007.
Cardano said this deal significantly enhances its service provision particularly with investment funds, corporate sustainability analysis and ESG advice - noting it would allow it to offer "best-in-class" sustainable equity and fixed income portfolios in both the active and passive space, as well as sustainable stewardship, in house.
The pensions advisory and investment management firm now manages more than £50bn of assets and employs over 500 people in the UK and the Netherlands across its advisory, investment management and defined contribution businesses.
With the completion of the acquisition, Harold Naus assumes the position of chief executive (CEO) at Actiam while retaining his responsibility for the Cardano Netherlands organisation.
Naus takes over from Frank Kusse, who has stepped down as interim CEO and board member at Actiam but will be available as an adviser to ensure a smooth transition.
Cardano said the new Actiam board would consist of Naus as well as chief investment officer Hilde Veelaert, chief financial and risk officer Marc Strijbos, and chief operating officer Jorg Sunderman.
Cardano Group CEO Michael de Lathauwer said: "Our new colleagues bring a wealth of talent and experience and give our clients access to a broadened advisory and asset management proposition.
"This deal is an important milestone in realising our ambition to offer the best-in-class sustainable solutions that maximise financial and social returns to pension funds and other long-term investors."
