Focus pays for First State

The group is now focusing on specialist products beyond traditional Asian and emerging expertise

First State has been an active player in the UK market since 2000, going against the trend by focusing its fund range rather than consistently adding products. The group entered the market after acquiring Scottish group Stewart Ivory, eventually rebrand-ing as First State Investments. This change to a more streamlined approach began in 2003 with the closure of British All Companies, British Mid Cap, American, European and Japanese funds. Since then, the company has moved out of other asset classes and closed further vehicles, including a range of bond funds and, more recently, the Bal...