DST Acquires ALPS for $250 Million in Cash

DST Systems has signed a definitive agreement to acquire ALPS for $250 million in cash.

Once the deal closes, which is expected in the fourth quarter, ALPS will be marketed as "ALPS, a DST Company."

ALPS employs 300 people out of Denver, Boston, New York and Seattle and had more than $3.2 billion in assets under management at the end of 2010. It is the holding company of ALPS Fund Services, ALPS Distributors and ALPS Advisors.

"This transaction represents a healthy and natural progression for each firm," commented Ned Burke, CEO of ALPS, which turned 25 this year. "Our suite of asset servicing and asset gathering solutions aligns closely with DST's business goals and objectives. This new relationship allows us to maintain our unique culture at ALPS, even as it empowers us to further grow our business."

Tom McDonnell, DST CEO, added, "This transaction further underscores our commitment to expanding our distribution support and asset-gathering capabilities. With our recent acquisitions of Finix Business Strategies and Subserveo, the company is well positioned to capitalize on the distribution side of the asset management industry.

"ALPS has a proven track record of managing, servicing and distributing products across the asset management spectrum, and we look forward to their continued growth and success," he said.

DST offers software and services to the mutual fund, investment management and brokerage industries. The company said it expects to realize $5 million of annual synergies in the two years following the close through rationalization of technology and service infrastructures.

CIBC Takes 41% Stake

In American Century

CIBC is taking a 41% stake in American Century, paying $848 million in cash for the shares that JP Morgan currently holds.

JP Morgan paid $900 million for a 45% stake in American Century in 1998 and pared back its holdings over the years.

The deal limits CIBC's share of the voting stock in the company to 10.1%. CIBC will have two representatives on American Century's 10-person board.

James E. Stowers, Jr., founder of American Century, used the funding from JP Morgan to create the Stowers Medical Research Institute to research cancer and other gene-based diseases.

The sale is expected to close by the end of October.

"This investment will build on our strong franchise in Canada and provide CIBC an additional platform for growth in asset management internationally," said CIBC President and CEO Gerry McCaughey. "It is aligned with our risk appetite and provides attractive fee-based income, geographic diversification and revenue synergies within our asset management business. As Boomers continue to advance towards retirement age, the demand for personal retirement solutions make this opportunity attractive."

For reprint and licensing requests for this article, click here.
M&A Money Management Executive
MORE FROM FINANCIAL PLANNING