Investment Pulse: Is consolidation in the asset management industry more damaging than initially thought?

IW readers give their views

Investment Week readers are split on whether the growing trend for consolidation is a positive for the asset management industry, with respondents to our recent Pulse survey warning deals could lead to "culture clashes" and reduced competition, but may also benefit clients.

The industry has seen some huge tie-ups recently, including Henderson Global Investors merging with US firm Janus Capital to form Janus Henderson Investors, with AUM of $320bn.  Aberdeen Asset Management is also joining forces with Standard Life in a merger deal to be completed next month, which will create an asset manager running £660bn in assets. Meanwhile, groups have been snapping up fund ranges, with Liontrust purchasing Alliance Trust Investments' 11-strong suite earlier this year, for example, adding £2.5bn to its range. IW readers, who were interviewed in June, were divide...