BNP Paribas Securities Services , a global custodian with over USD7 trillion assets under custody, today announced the acquisition of Commerzbank's “Depotbank” business for German domiciled UCITS and institutional funds, securities funds as well as open-ended real estate funds.
The more than 80 Commerzbank employees involved in those activities will be given the opportunity to join BNP Paribas Securities Services, which will bring new expertise to its team and reinforce its dedication to the German market.
This deal allows BNP Paribas Securities Services to consolidate its overall leading position in the German depositary market. It will strengthen its number one position in institutional funds, while expanding its UCITS business and establishing a new service offering for real estate funds.
The transaction underlines the strong commitment of BNP Paribas Securities Services to the German market which is one of its key markets in Europe, and marks its ambition to extend its depositary offering, following the acquisition of Credem, an Italian depositary, in 2012. The extension of its depositary capability will allow clients to benefit from its solid infrastructure within the AIFMD* context.
As of the end of April 2013, a volume of approximately EUR 93 billion assets under depositary was serviced by Commerzbank. It was agreed that confidentiality be maintained on the contractual details. The transaction is still subject to the approval of the relevant authorities.
Michael Hartmann, Head of Operations Europe at Allianz Global Investors, one of the largest clients, stated regarding the transfer: “We are pleased with the decision in favour of BNP Paribas for the benefit of our customers and look forward to working together successfully. Due to BNP Paribas Securities Services´ many years of experience in this business and strong market position, we will appoint BNP Paribas as depositary and custodian for the German domiciled UCITS of Allianz Global Investors.”
Gerald Noltsch, Head of the German office of BNP Paribas Securities Services, said: “The expansion underpins our market leadership in Germany and will help to bolster our position in the UCITS segment in servicing Allianz Global Investors as one of the leading Asset Managers in Germany as well as the build-up of services for real estate funds. These are important pillars for our long term strategy and our ambition to provide to all our existing and new clients comprehensive solutions and services.”
NOTES TO EDITORS
*Alternative Investment Fund Managers' Directive
About BNP Paribas
BNP Paribas (www.bnpparibas.com) has a presence in nearly 80 countries with 190,000 employees, including 145,000 in Europe. It ranks highly in its three core activities: Retail Banking, Investment Solutions and Corporate & Investment Banking. In Europe, the Group has four domestic markets (Belgium, France, Italy and Luxembourg) and BNP Paribas Personal Finance is the leader in consumer lending. BNP Paribas is rolling out its integrated retail banking model across Mediterranean basin countries, in Turkey, in Eastern Europe and a large network in the western part of the United States. In its Corporate & Investment Banking and Investment Solutions activities, BNP Paribas also enjoys top positions in Europe, a strong presence in the Americas and solid and fast-growing businesses in Asia-Pacific.
About BNP Paribas Securities Services
BNP Paribas Securities Services, a wholly-owned subsidiary of the BNP Paribas Group, is a leading global custodian and securities services provider backed by the strength of a universal bank. It provides integrated solutions to all participants in the investment cycle including the buy-side, sell-side, corporates and issuers.
Covering over 100 markets, with our own offices in 34 countries, the BNP Paribas network is one of the most extensive in the industry. We bring together local insight and a global network to enable clients to maximize their market and investment opportunities worldwide.
Key figures as of 31 March 2013: USD 7,113 billion assets under custody, USD 1,314 billion assets under administration, 6,979 administered funds and 7,900 employees