Posts Tagged ‘Finance’

  • Macquarie Group Acquires US Based Delaware Investments

    Thursday, August 20th, 2009

    Macquarie Group (MQG) today announced that it has entered into an agreement to acquire Delaware Investments, a leading US-based diversified asset management firm, from Lincoln Financial Group for $US428 ($A516) million, subject to certain closing adjustments. Upon completion of the transaction, the combined assets under management (AUM) of Macquarie and Delaware are expected to be over $US300 ($A361) billion. The acquisition is consistent with Macquarie’s strategy to develop a global asset management capability through building a highly regarded team of investment professionals, offering an attractive suite of investment products and gaining broader access to the world’s largest capital market.

    Delaware is a well-respected, US-based diversified asset management firm with over $US125 ($A150) billion in AUM (as of June 30, 2009). Delaware provides investment services to retail and institutional investors through a broad range of managed accounts, separate accounts, mutual funds, retirement accounts, sub-advised funds, and other investment products. Founded in 1929, Delaware is one of the oldest asset management firms in the United States. Delaware clients will be offered opportunities to invest in new products with access to Macquarie’s investment strategies, notably in real assets, global fixed income and alternatives. Macquarie clients across its global network will be offered investment solutions involving Delaware’s investment strategies, in structures designed specifically for them. Macquarie will also provide additional funding to support Delaware’s growth through continued investment in operations, distribution and commitment to expanding its multi-boutique approach.

    Shemara Wikramanayake, Global Head of Macquarie Funds Group, said: “Macquarie has a long and successful history in asset management. Since 1980 our asset management activities have grown both organically and through the addition of specialist asset management teams. From that strong base and given current opportunities in the market, we feel now is an ideal time to expand our reach and offering as an asset manager.” “We have a high regard for the Delaware team and are delighted to have them join us. Delaware will form a key element of Macquarie Funds Group’s offering to our clients globally and will significantly enhance our existing North American asset management activities,” said Ms Wikramanayake. “The acquisition of Delaware is a demonstration to our clients of the ongoing commitment we have to developing a global asset management capability with significant scale, product depth, research and investment capacity,” added Ms Wikramanayake.

    As part of the transaction, Delaware will continue managing Lincoln Financial general account insurance assets under a long-term contract on financial terms similar to current arrangements as well as provide additional sub-advisory services. Macquarie expects to pay Lincoln Financial approximately $US428 ($A516) million in cash to acquire the business and assets of Delaware, subject to a purchase price adjustment at closing based on any change in net assets. The transaction is expected to close around the end of 2009 and is subject to regulatory approvals and other customary closing conditions.

    www.macquarie.com.au

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    National Australia Bank Acquires Challengers Mortgage Business

    Wednesday, August 19th, 2009

    National Australia Bank (NAB ) today announced it had reached agreement to purchase the mortgage management business of Challenger for $385 million. The purchase includes the PLAN, Choice and FAST mortgage aggregator businesses and Challenger’s multi-brand ‘white label’ product capability. In addition, a select portfolio of approximately $4 billion of residential mortgages will be acquired at a discount to face value for loan loss provisions. The acquisition is expected to be earnings and return on equity accretive in the first year.

    National Australia Bank Group Chief Executive Officer, Cameron Clyne said: “As I have said previously we will take advantage of compelling opportunities to enhance our organic growth capabilities. This acquisition provides additional distribution and capability in Australian mortgages,” he said. NAB Personal Banking Group Executive, Lisa Gray said: “The acquisition of the Challenger mortgage management business increases NAB’s presence in the important broker distribution segment. As part of NAB the Challenger mortgage management business will have the capacity to grow and support its broker networks. “The existing management team will be retained and continue to run the business as a separate entity reporting to NAB Broker within NAB Personal Banking,” she said.

    The total purchase price of $385 million includes the amount payable if approximately 41% of Homeloans Ltd is acquired.

    www.nabgroup.com

    www.challenger.com.au

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    Wednesday, 22nd July 2009 Morning Wrap – Video Updated

    Wednesday, July 22nd, 2009

    Click here to view.

    Presented by Michael Hevern

    MDSFinancial


    See summary below.
    General Advice Only
    ************************************************
    In this morning s wrap

    DOW: up 0.8%
    GS: Upgrades Forecasts for S&P500;
    SP500 8 Month Highs

    NASDAQ: up 0.4%
    Apple up 4% on Rosy Report,
    IPhone Sales Eclispe IPods; Margins Up

    FTSE: up 0.9%
    Best Run in 4 Years;
    DAX up 1.3% & CAC up 0.9%

    NIKKEI: up 2.7%
    Broad Rally on Back of GS SP500 Upgraded Forecast
    Hang Seng Flat

    Oil: up 0.7% ($65)
    Expect Profit Taking

    Gold: down 0.5% ($945) 5 Week Highs
    Commodities Higher;
    USD Lower

    SPI: Critical Level(s): 3850 to 4050
    SPI up 15 (0.4%)

    ASX News
    NAB Bad debts upto $1.1bn; to raise $2.75bn ($3bn inNov08);
    BHP Produnction: June Qtr: Iron ore down 10%; Coal up 4%;Copper down 21%; Petroleum at record levels
    HVN Report flat sales/rev
    ORI Tough 2H09 still expect profit; paint market slow
    LGL to sell Ballarat Mine; Cuts 200 jobs
    RBA inflation OK; rates on hold
    Reports: W: WOW,BHP,AIO; Thu: PSA, STO; Fri: WPL, SGT
    Materials & Energy stocks to lead
    Banks to continue
    ASX to open higher again 7th day
    US & UK positive leads

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    Thursday, 2nd July 2009 Morning Wrap

    Thursday, July 2nd, 2009

    Presented by Michael Hevern
    MDSFinancial

    Click here to watch the presentation.

    or

    Click here to download the mp3 audio recording (978Kb).

    General Advice Only
    ************************************************
    In this morning s wrap

    DOW: up 0.7%
    Positive Manufacturing Reoirts;
    Schiller Home Price Index Down 18%

    NASDAQ: up 0.6%
    Chipmakers Lead: Intel up 3%

    FTSE: up 2.1%
    Miners Lead Recovery;
    DAX up 2% & CAC up 2.5%

    NIKKEI: down 0.1%
    Japan: Toyota Fitch Rating Cut A+ (Annual $5.7bn Loss)
    WTO Cuts Trade Forecasts

    Oil: Down 1% ($69)
    Profit Taking;
    Possible Double Top Setup

    Gold: up 1.1% ($944) (up 1% FY09)
    Commodities Higher;
    USD Lower

    SPI up 16 (0.4%)
    SPI: Critical Level(s): 3850 to 4050

    ASX News
    BOQ to suffer from Storm Financial litigation
    SUN New CEO Patrick Snowball breakup?
    China to Accept Iron Ore at Asian Prices (33% disc); watch BHP/RIO/FMG
    PMI shows 4 consecutive months of expansion
    Materials & Energy stocks to see recovery;
    Banks to hold
    ASX to open higher;
    US & UK positive

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    National Australia Bank Acquires Aviva Wealth Management Business

    Tuesday, June 23rd, 2009

    National Australia Bank(NAB) has agreed to purchase Aviva Australia Holdings’ wealth management business including its life insurance operations and investment platform, Navigator, for $825 million. The acquisition is expected to be earnings per share and return on equity accretive in the first full year following acquisition (excluding estimated integration costs). Prior to completion Aviva Australia Holdings will pay a $40 million dividend.

    “This acquisition will enhance our offering in key wealth management segments including insurance and investment platforms, adding scale, efficiency and new capabilities to our operations,” National Australia Bank Group Chief Executive Officer Cameron Clyne said. “The acquisition meets the objectives outlined in the NAB Strategy earlier this year. Our MLC and NAB wealth management business is a key area of growth for us and we are well positioned to respond to changes currently taking place in the wealth management market as a result of the financial crisis and regulatory reviews,” he said. “Aviva has strong relationships with and understanding of the external financial adviser (EFA) market and we are committed to continue to support EFA advisers with quality insurance and investment products.”

    The acquisition is subject to regulatory approvals and confirmation from the ACCC that it has no objection, and is expected to be completed during the fourth quarter of 2009. The acquisition excludes Aviva’s asset management business and its interest in the Professional Investment Holdings business.

    www.nabgroup.com

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    Macquarie Group Acquires Tristone Capital

    Monday, June 1st, 2009

    Macquarie Group (MQG) today announced it has entered into an agreement to acquire Tristone Capital Global Inc. . The acquisition will substantially enhance Macquarie’s energy offering by integrating Tristone’s energy advisory and capital markets capabilities within Macquarie’s global resources activities. This acquisition will create an integrated energy platform, offering advisory, capital markets, research and trading expertise. Tristone is an independent energy advisory firm providing fully integrated corporate finance, acquisitions & divestitures (“A&D”), equity capital markets (“ECM”), and sales, trading and research services. Tristone focuses exclusively on the global energy sector, providing technical and financial services to exploration and production companies, oilfield service and midstream companies, government entities, royalty trusts, limited partnerships and institutional investors worldwide.

    John Prendiville, Global Head of Resources for Macquarie Capital said: “Tristone is a highly regarded global independent energy advisory firm and we are delighted to have them join us. The acquisition of Tristone creates a fully integrated global energy group that can offer a full suite of products to our clients in whatever region they exist. The combined business gives us an increased presence in vital energy-sector hubs around the world, particularly in Calgary, Houston, Denver and London, and a new Macquarie presence in Buenos Aires.” Mr Prendiville said. Paul Donnelly, President and CEO of Macquarie Capital Markets Canada, said “Macquarie’s investment in Tristone’s team of highly respected professionals is consistent with our approach of providing clients with extensive industry expertise and international reach in key global industries. It continues the expansion of our advisory and capital markets activities and other related industries including leading pipeline and utility companies who are an important part of our infrastructure business.”

    Following a transition period, Tristone will be fully integrated into Macquarie, with its acquisitions and divestitures division to be branded “Macquarie Tristone” The consideration for the acquisition is expected to be approximately C$116 million, comprising two separate components. C$57 million will be paid to the vendors in cash upon financial close as adjusted to reflect the consolidated net tangible assets of Tristone at that time and C$59 million will be payable in exchangeable shares. A subsidiary of Macquarie will issue the Exchangeable Shares to the vendors. These Exchangeable Shares will be held in escrow and released over a 5 year period and the final number is subject to adjustment based on the performanceof the Tristone business over a two year period. Upon release they will be exchangeable on a one-for-one basis for ordinary Macquarie shares subject to certain conditions. The number of Exchangeable Shares issued at Close may be adjusted up or down, depending on the level of advisory revenues earned over a two year period from Close and certain other conditions. In addition, approximately C$15 million of retention securities in the form of Exchangeable Shares and options to purchase Exchangeable Shares will form a retention pool and will be allocated to certain Tristone employees joining Macquarie. This retention pool will be released in equal portions on the 3rd, 4th and 5th anniversaries of Close and subject to continuing employment with Macquarie. No more than 4 million MQG Shares will be issued for Exchangeable Shares; any consideration exceeding that amount will be settled in cash in accordance with the terms of the Exchangeable Shares. Macquarie shareholder approval for the issue of up to the 4 million MQG Shares will not be sought.

    Macquarie has had a permanent and growing presence in Canada since opening its first office in 1998. Macquarie employs more than 420 people in Canada with offices in Toronto, Vancouver, Calgary and Montreal. Macquarie’s activities in Canada include advisory and capital markets, specialized asset management, lending, financial markets and institutional broking.

    www.macquarie.com/ca

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    ThinkSmart Expands Presence In Spain With Phone House Contract

    Friday, May 22nd, 2009

    ThinkSmart Limited (TSM), a leading international computer and office equipment financing company, has grown its distribution channels in Spain, executing a new agreement with Phone House. In a move set to help boost its already profitable Spanish operations, the three year agreement with Phone House will see ThinkSmart provide its B2B rental finance product through Phone House’s direct B2B sales force. ThinkSmart already partners with DSG International’s PC City chain which has 31 stores throughout Spain. 

    “The Phone House agreement is an important stepping stone as we expand our partnerships in the Spanish market,” said ThinkSmart founder and CEO, Ned Montarello. “ThinkSmart’s products fills the gap for small business customers between a credit card and bank loan, enabling them to get on-the-spot approval for technology they need via a tax and cash flow friendly operating lease.” 

    Phone House recently commenced selling laptops to the B2B market, via a direct sales network around the country, complementing its B2C strategy through its 420 stores in Spain. ThinkSmart is a leading international financial services company that is focused on the delivery of B2B finance products through the retail environment.

    Head Office The business currently operates with market leading retailers and financial institutions in the UK, Spain, Italy, France, Australia and New Zealand where it has built a reputation for processing high volumes of low value business finance transactions both quickly and efficiently. 

    www.thinksmartworld.com    

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    Tuesday, 19th May 2009 MDS Morning Wrap

    Tuesday, May 19th, 2009

    Presented by Michael Hevern
    MDSFinancial

    Click here to watch the presentation.

    or

    Click here to download the mp3 audio recording (1038Kb).

    General Advice Only

    *************************************************
    In this morning s wrap

    DOW: up 2.1%
    Energy up 3.1%; Home Builders up7.5%;
    Up Trend Holds

    NASDAQ: up 3.1%
    Volatility Lowest Since Lehman’s Collapse;
    Traders Jump Back In!

    FTSE: up 2.3%
    Financials & Energy Lead Rebound;
    DAX up 2.4% & CAC up 2.4%

    NIKKEI: down 2.4%
    Hang Seng up 1.4%; India Limit Up 17% (New PM);
    BoJ to Accept Foreign Bond Collateral

    Oil: up 4.4% ($59)
    Supply Concerns
    Ahead of US Driving Season

    Gold: down 1.4% ($919)
    Commodities Lower;
    USD Higher

    SPI up 63 (1.7%)
    SPI: Critical Level(s): 3850
    Support Holding

    ASX News GNC 1H09 Profit $32m Rev up 6.5% EBITDA doubles ($60m raising)
    BBG Profit to fall 15% (due to strong $A) $290m raising
    OZL increase reserves at Prominent Hill
    Materials, Financials and Energy to recover
    Golds to weigh
    ASX to open higher; US jumps

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    Wednesday, 6th May 2009 MDS Morning Wrap

    Wednesday, May 6th, 2009

    Presented by Michael Hevern
    MDSFinancial

    Click here to watch the presentation.

    or

    Click here to download the mp3 audio recording (1002Kb).

    General Advice Only

    *************************************************
    In this morning s wrap

    DOW: down 0.2%
    Geithner: Sees Recovery to Start by Years End;
    Stress Test: 18 of 19 Banks to need Capital

    NASDAQ: down 0.5% – (up 12% YTD)
    Yahoo up 3.9% (6 month High)

    FTSE: up 2.2% (Catchup)
    3 Month High ;
    DAX down 1% & CAC down 0.1%

    NIKKEI: up 1.6%
    Up 28% since March Low
    Hang Seng up 0.3%

    Oil: up 0.1% – At $54
    US Inventories
    at 18 Year Highs?;

    Gold: down 6% ($896)
    Commodities Mixed;
    USD Lower

    SPI up 10 (0.3%)
    SPI: Critical Levels: 4000 & 3800
    ASX200 Hits 6 month Highs

    ASX News

    RIO Closer to resolving Chinalco bid (up 83% YTD cf BHP up 12%)
    WBC 1H09 profit $2.18bn inline (down 6%); impairment charges triple to $1.6bn
    ANZ XDiv 46c 7-May; $1bn bond issue
    Employment figures Thursday
    Materials, Financials and Energy to be flat
    Golds to weigh
    ASX to open higher; US Beating Earnings

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    Tuesday, 5th May 2009 MDS Morning Wrap

    Tuesday, May 5th, 2009

    Presented by Michael Hevern
    MDSFinancial

    Click here to watch the presentation.

    or

    Click here to download the mp3 audio recording (859Kb).

    General Advice Only

    *************************************************
    In this morning s wrap

    DOW: up 2.6%
    up 27% since March Low
    Housing Figures Surprise to Upside;

    NASDAQ: up 2.6% – (up 12% YTD)
    RIMM up 2.7% (GS says BUY)
    INTEL up 5.1%

    FTSE: CLOSED
    3 Month High ;
    DAX up 2.8% & CAC up 2.5%

    NIKKEI: up 3.9%
    up 28% since March Low
    China s Manufacturing Up (First time in 9 months)
    Hang Seng up 42% since March Low

    Oil: up 2.6% – At $54
    US Inventories Down;
    Recession Easing?

    Gold: up 2% ($901)
    Commodities Higher;
    USD Lower

    SPI: Critical Levels: 4000 & 3800
    ASX200 up 23% since March Low
    SPI up 75 (1.9%)

    ASX News

    Carbon Emissions trading delayed (no cap before 2012)
    ORI 1H09 profit down 2% Sales Rev up 32%
    WBC reports tomorrow
    RBA to hold rates
    Employment figures Thursday
    Materials, Financials and Energy to be up
    Golds to recover
    ASX to open higher; US Housing Data Surprises

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