PARIS (HedgeWorld.com)–BNP Paribas Asset Management through its joint venture with Fauchier Partners plans to merge with Fauchier in order to grow a fund of funds business.
BNP Paribas said it would acquire a 50% economic interest in Fauchier Partners in consideration for contributing its shares in the BNP Paribas Fauchier Partners and additional cash payments.
According to officials, Fauchier will become one of Europe's largest dedicated managers of funds of hedge funds with US$3.5 billion in assets. The merger is pending regulatory approval.
Fauchier began working with BNP Paribas Asset Management in a joint venture in July 2001. The venture marked the first time that a major European bank took a stake in a stand-alone fund of funds (see ).
Patrick Fauchier, chief executive and co-founder of London-based Fauchier Partners, characterized the merger as a way to simplify the current "two company" structure. In a statement, he said, "We believe that the merged entity will be even better equipped to serve clients and be more attractive to professional talent we need to maintain our leading position in the industry."
Mr. Fauchier and Fauchier co-founder Christopher Fawcett, will continue in their respective roles of chief executive and chief investment officer. The firm's investment committee membership remains unchanged even as BNP Paribas Fauchier Partners' employees join the enlarged firm.
