Sovereign backs the MBO of private client trust and corporate services provider Aquitaine and its first two acquisitions Read more

  • Status: Current
  • Date: 2020
  • Sectors:
    • Financial Services & Insurance
    • Business & Technology Services
  • Buy & Build: 2

www.acolin.com

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ACOLIN

ACOLIN is a leading provider of regulatory and cross-border fund distribution services. Sovereign backed the MBO of the business, partnering the management team to further develop ACOLIN's client base and service offering through a strategy of organic and acquisitive growth.

Investment Background

Daniel Haefele established ACOLIN in 2006. A proven entrepreneur within the asset management industry, Daniel recognised the opportunity to create a business to help asset management businesses access new markets, meet regulatory obligations and grow AuM across multiple jurisdictions. He raised the investment required from a number of private shareholders and the business was established.

ACOLIN grew significantly to become a leading provider in the market, operating from nine locations including Zurich, Geneva, London, Frankfurt and Belgrade. During this time the cross-border fund distribution regulatory landscape had become increasingly complex and the management team wanted investment to grow the business, further enhancing its service offering. In parallel, the original shareholders were also keen to crystallise the value created in the business.

In June 2020, the MBO of the business was completed.

Value Creation

  • At the time of the MBO, identified and appointed a highly experienced non-executive Chair, previously a MD at Goldman Sachs and chair of Tilney.
  • The acquisition of Fundbase, realising ACOLIN’s vision of establishing a digital marketplace platform
  • The acquisition of GFA, further accelerating ACOLIN's growth and establishing a meaningful presence in Luxembourg
  • In April 2021, Theo Splinter was appointed as CEO to succeed founder Daniel Haefele as he moved to a non-executive position. Theo joined from international trust, fund and corporate services platform Intertrust, where he was the Group’s COO, having previously been COO of BNP Paribas Securities Services in Luxembourg.

THE GROWTH STORY SO FAR

ACOLIN represents investment funds across European markets, ensuring that all regulatory obligations are rigorously fulfilled and that fund documents are available to investors and to the relevant authorities. The business currently provides services to over 600 asset managers - c.14% of those active in Europe - representing some 1800 investment funds across 30 countries.

In addition, ACOLIN’s proprietary network facilitates clients’ access to a wide array of fund distribution channels across Europe, overseeing data and commission management for over €20bn of Assets under Management together with ongoing monitoring and due diligence of distribution partners.

In February 2021, ACOLIN made its first strategic acquisition; Fundbase, the digital fund distribution and data management business, provides asset managers with access to professional investors through a digital marketing and communication portal.

In April 2021 ACOLIN made its second acquisition; GFA is a SaaS-based data collection and analytics platform for asset managers and distributors.

The acquisitions of both GFA and Fundabase have accelerated a number of ACOLIN’s growth objectives. GFA establishes a meaningful presence in Luxembourg, which is a key European financial centre for cross-border fund formation and management, and brings a modular, technology-enabled proposition in a core area of regulatory compliance. Fundbase realises the business’ vision for establishing a digital marketplace platform.

Sovereign is working with the management team to grow the business through strategic Buy & Build, to further develop its offering and geographic reach.


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THE FOUNDER'S PERSPECTIVE

Our management team is thrilled about our partnership with Sovereign. I am personally very satisfied to have found the right partner who shares our conviction in the success of ACOLIN’s business model. With Sovereign’s investment and support, we will continue to enhance our offering, providing asset managers with the services they need.

Daniel Haefele / Founder / ACOLIN