What does the recent flurry of asset management deals tell us?

What's in a name?

Kames Capital's chief executive Martin Davis digests the recent spate of takeovers in the fund management space and ponders the implications.

What does the recent flurry of asset management deals tell us? First, it shows that the polarisation of the sector shows no sign of abating as large acquisitive fund groups continue to devour smaller, often specialist, players. Second, it confirms that, having undergone profound regulatory change in recent years, the UK remains an important part of the global asset management industry. Legg Mason's acquisition of Martin Currie in late July was a clear demonstration of the worldwide appeal of UK fund management businesses, but it is not the only reason the industry should face the futu...