MetLife Investment Management to Acquire Investment Teams from Mesirow
WHIPPANY, N.J., January 08, 2025 — MetLife Investment Management (MIM), a division of MetLife, Inc. (NYSE: MET), has announced a significant agreement to acquire three investment teams and associated assets from Mesirow, an independent, employee-owned financial services firm. This strategic acquisition will further enhance MIM’s high yield and bank loan capabilities, as well as its strategic fixed income and small-cap equity offerings.
Details of the Acquisition
As part of this transaction, approximately $6 billion in assets currently managed by the teams from Mesirow will transition to MIM, pending the usual approvals and consents. This move is aligned with MetLife’s New Frontier strategy, aimed at promoting growth within asset management while expanding MIM’s product offerings and channels with an emphasis on higher yield capabilities.
Strengthening MIM’s Leverage Finance Platform
The incorporation of these teams will accelerate MIM’s leveraged finance platform development, introducing opportunistic high yield and bank loan strategies that align with MIM’s existing services. This addition complements recent efforts, such as the announced acquisition of PineBridge Investments. The Mesirow teams consist of around 20 seasoned investment professionals, all of whom are expected to transition to MIM upon completion of the deal.
Leadership Insights
MIM President Jude Driscoll emphasized, “Attracting and nurturing investment talent is fundamental to our growth strategy. These teams are not only a great strategic fit but also bring invaluable expertise in fundamental, bottom-up investing. We believe that by leveraging MIM’s extensive platform, we can enhance these strategies’ growth through improved investment performance and a broader distribution network.”
Mesirow’s Future Direction
Natalie Brown, CEO of Mesirow, expressed confidence in MetLife’s ability to provide scaled resources appropriate for these traditional investment strategies. She noted, “As we move forward, Mesirow will concentrate on expanding our alternatives capabilities along with our core offerings in Wealth Management, Fiduciary Solutions, and Capital Markets/Investment Banking, which manage over $300 billion in total assets.”
Advisory Role
Third Street Partners served as advisors to MetLife during this acquisition, showcasing the strategic connections and partnerships necessary for such significant transactions.
About MetLife
MetLife, Inc. (NYSE: MET), through its various subsidiaries and affiliates, stands as one of the world’s foremost financial services firms, specializing in insurance, annuities, employee benefit programs, and asset management for individuals and institutions. Founded in 1868, MetLife operates in over 40 markets around the globe and holds leading positions in key regions including the United States, Japan, Latin America, Asia, Europe, and the Middle East.
About MetLife Investment Management
MetLife Investment Management, the institutional asset management arm of MetLife, specializes in public fixed income, private capital, and real estate investment, delivering personalized investment solutions to institutional investors globally. With a rich history of over 150 years of investment experience, MIM manages $609.3 billion in assets as of September 30, 2024.
Forward-Looking Statements
The statements made in this release that utilize terms such as “continue,” “look forward,” and “will” reflect assumptions and expectations that bear risks and uncertainties, including those outlined by MetLife in its SEC filings. Future results may vary, and MetLife does not commit to publicly revise or update these projections.
Contact Information
Media Contacts:
Dave Franecki
Phone: 973-264-7465
Email: Dave.Franecki@metlife.com
Investor Contacts:
John Hall
Phone: 212-578-7888
Email: John.A.Hall@metlife.com
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