Natixis GAM Subsidiary Acquires Stake In Hong Kong-Based Asset Manager

Robbie Lawther

6 November 2017

, a Hong-Kong-based asset manager, which focuses on global equities driven by Asian growth.

This move is part of H2O’s ambition to expand its range of investment products through acquisitions that remain close and complementary to its DNA, the firm said in a statement.

After launching a global emerging debt and a global aggregate fund, H2O created its Barry brand in 2016, which is dedicated to thematic investments linked to the lack of liquidity in the market place. In 2017, the company also acquired Arctic Blue, a quantitative manager.

Poincaré is focused on long-term Asian investment themes. The team is headed by Alex Casin, chief executive, and Yang Lu, chief investment officer, who was previously SAFE Investment Equity CIO, the Hong Kong branch of the Chinese sovereign wealth fund.

After this stake acquisition, Poincaré will initially adopt a long/short strategy which will be made available to investors through both an off-shore and a UCITS vehicle. A long-only investment scheme will later be launched.

The financial terms of the acquisition were not disclosed.

“We are very excited about compounding the unique experience and skills of Yang with the asset management industry knowledge of H2O, and its exceptional franchise in terms of delivering performance," said Casin. "We see H2O as the perfect partner to help us capitalise on our vision of the growing influence of Asia globally."

“Poincaré is a great fit for us as it combines a long-term judgmental vision with quantitative skills," said Bruno Crastes, CEO of H2O. "We look forward to this initiative turning into a durable success story for Poincaré, H2O, and above all our clients.”

H2O Asset Management is a London-based asset management firm, and was co-founded by Crastes and Vincent Chailley, CIO, in 2010. The firm currently manages $16 billion in assets.