Nikko Asset Management and Tikehau Capital have entered into an advanced discussion to form a strategic partnership in Asia.

Asian firm Nikko Asset Management and Tikehau Capital, a global alternative asset management group, have entered into an advanced discussion to create a business and capital alliance. 

The partnership will involve Tikehau Capital and Nikko Asset Management entering into distribution agreements in Japan and elsewhere in Asia, the firm said in a statement this week. It will also establish a joint venture dedicated to Asian private markets investment strategies and involve Nikko Asset Management acquiring an equity stake in Tikehau Capital.

With its Japanese roots and stronghold across Asian markets, Nikko Asset Management will bring experience and market intelligence to the partnership, the firm added. The collaboration would also deepen Tikehau Capital's presence in the Asian market, capitalising on Nikko Asset Management's network and reputation.

"We have been looking for a strong partner in the private asset space that fits into our strategic global growth plan,” Stefanie Drews, president of Nikko Asset Management, said. “Asia is a critically important market for this asset class, and we are delighted that we are now progressing to this stage with a firm of the calibre of Tikehau Capital, with its long history of excellence and innovation.” 

"This strategic partnership would be a game-changer for Tikehau Capital in Asia," added Antoine Flamarion and Mathieu Chabran, co-founders of Tikehau Capital. "It would not only expand our global footprint but would also align perfectly with our vision of delivering exceptional value and innovation to our clients. The combined strengths of Tikehau Capital and Nikko Asset Management would undoubtedly create synergies that bring added value to [the] industry landscape in Asia." 

Headquartered in Asia, Nikko Asset Management is a large Asian asset manager, with $219.2 billion under management, providing high-conviction, active fund management across a range of equity, fixed income and multi-asset strategies. In addition, its complementary range of passive strategies covers more than 20 indices and includes some of Asia’s exchange-traded funds.