Unigestion marks a history of innovation and integrating social responsibility in its 50th year
Unigestion has grown into a strong and stable European asset manager. None of this would have been possible without the talent, skills and dedication of our people. In particular Patrick Fenal, who joined Unigestion in 1979 and remains a Partner today, together with both Fiona Frick and Regis Martin, our CEO and Deputy CEO who joined the Company in the early 1990s. Their vision and teamwork, together with that of everyone in this business, remains critical to our success.
Unigestion, the independent, specialist asset manager, is celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2021 – marking 50 years of innovation on behalf of clients and the integration of social responsibility into the business.
The Company, which was established in Geneva during 1971 by Henri Sabrier, was bought by his son, Bernard in 1976 and as highlighted in this video, has evolved from its roots as a bond fund manager into a significant player in Europe, covering four areas of expertise: equities, private equity, liquid alternatives and multi-asset.
During this time, Unigestion has navigated and grown through several market cycles and crises including the recession of 1973 – 1975, the tech-fuelled bust of 2000 and the global financial crisis of 2007 – 2008, as well as the Covid-19 recession in 2020. It has achieved this by attracting and retaining key talent who have worked together to adapt and deliver innovative solutions for institutional clients.
Over this period, Unigestion has anticipated several major trends, including hedge funds, private equity, minimum variance and liquid alternatives. In addition, while focused on organic growth, the Company also undertaken some notable M&A activity through the acquisition of Banca della Svizzera Italiana (BSI), then the fourth largest Swiss bank, in 1987 (later sold to Swiss Bank Corporation), and the acquisition of mid-market private equity specialist Akina in 2017. Unigestion now manages assets of $21bn.
Over the past two decades, Unigestion has also integrated social responsibility into its business; developing its capabilities as a responsible investor and moving from a shareholder model of ownership to a stakeholder model. Unigestion’s largest shareholder is now the Swiss-regulated* FAMSA Foundation, established by Bernard Sabrier 10 years ago to contribute to a wide range of projects in the charitable, educational, cultural and medical fields. In addition, over 84% of the assets managed by Unigestion are now covered by ESG considerations.
For the future, we want to continue providing our clients with investment solutions that meet their performance objectives. By achieving this we can not only deliver industry-leading organic growth over the long term but also make a positive contribution to society: help people fund their retirement, promote long-term value creation and inclusive capitalism, develop investment solutions that contribute to solving social and environmental problems and, distribute dividends to the FAMSA Foundation to grow its philanthropic activities.
Note: * Foundations in Switzerland are subject to regulatory supervision by The Federal Supervisory Authority of Foundations and are autonomous legal entities irrevocably committed to carry out their defined purpose. The FAMSA Foundation aims to initiate, promote and / or support national and international projects in the fields of environmental protection, culture, humanitarian aid, education and health as well as sport and research.
About Unigestion
Unigestion is an independent, specialist asset manager providing innovative, tailored solutions for investors worldwide. For more than 50 years we have stayed true to our conviction that intelligent risk-taking is key to delivering consistent returns over time. Today, we are responsible for over $21.5bn in assets under management across our four areas of expertise – equities, private equity, liquid alternatives and multi asset – with the majority of our assets covered by ESG considerations.
Helping our clients achieve investment success drives everything we do. We take the time to truly understand their requirements and work with them to create tailored solutions that meet their specific needs. Our focus on understanding and anticipating risk as a means to outperform sets us apart. Risk management is part of our DNA, our culture and defines everything we do. By taking risk in a measured, informed way, we aim to deliver superior performance for our clients.
Headquartered in Geneva, Unigestion has a global presence that extends across Europe, North America and Asia. We are privately owned, with a shareholder structure designed to ensure our long-term stability and align our interests with those of our clients.
(Source: Unigestion as at 31.03.2021)
FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT:
Alicia Wyllie
Head of Corporate Communications
Unigestion
Direct: +44 (0) 20 7529 5250
Mobile: +44 (0) 7557 531068
Email: awyllie@unigestion.com
Alice O’Keefe
Lansons Communications
Mobile: +44 (0) 7539 838332
Email: unigestion@lansons.com
For additional information, please consult our website: www.unigestion.com.
Important Information
The information and data presented in this document may discuss general market activity or industry trends but is not intended to be relied upon as a forecast, research or investment advice. It is not a financial promotion and represents no offer, solicitation or recommendation of any kind, to invest in the strategies or in the investment vehicles it refers to. Some of the investment strategies described or alluded to herein may be construed as high risk and not readily realisable investments, which may experience substantial and sudden losses including total loss of investment.
The investment views, economic and market opinions or analysis expressed in this document present Unigestion’s judgement as at the date of publication without regard to the date on which you may access the information. There is no guarantee that these views and opinions expressed will be correct nor do they purport to be a complete description of the securities, markets and developments referred to in it. All information provided here is subject to change without notice. To the extent that this report contains statements about the future, such statements are forward-looking and subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, including, but not limited to, the impact of competitive products, market acceptance risks and other risks.
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Unigestion (UK) Ltd. is authorised and regulated by the UK Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) and is registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). Unigestion Asset Management (France) S.A. is authorised and regulated by the French “Autorité des Marchés Financiers” (AMF). Unigestion Asset Management (Canada) Inc., with offices in Toronto and Montreal, is registered as a portfolio manager and/or exempt market dealer in nine provinces across Canada and also as an investment fund manager in Ontario, Quebec and Newfoundland & Labrador. Its principal regulator is the Ontario Securities Commission. Unigestion Asset Management (Düsseldorf) SA is co-regulated by the “Autorité des Marchés Financiers” (AMF) and the “Bundesanstalt für Finanzdienstleistungsaufsicht” (BAFIN). Unigestion SA has an international advisor exemption in Quebec, Saskatchewan and Ontario. Unigestion SA is authorised and regulated by the Swiss Financial Market Supervisory Authority (FINMA). Unigestion SA’s assets are situated outside of Canada and, as such, there may be difficulty enforcing legal rights against Unigestion SA.
Additional Information for US Investors
This material is disseminated in the U.S. by Unigestion (UK) Ltd., which is registered as an investment adviser with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). This information is intended only for institutional clients and qualified purchasers as defined by the SEC and has therefore not been adapted to retail clients.
The performance figures are based on estimated fees and expenses as well as on the underlying strategy’s estimated performances given by fund managers, administrators, custodians and third party sources at a given date. Where performance is reflected gross of fees, potential investors should be aware that the inclusion of fees, costs and charges will reduce the overall value of performance. Unless otherwise stated, the performance data source are Unigestion, Bloomberg and Compustat. This information is provided to you solely to give you background information relating to Unigestion, certain strategies it implements and currently offers. Before making an investment decision with respect to the strategy discussed herein, potential investors are advised to consult with their tax, legal, ERISA and financial advisors. Note that not all strategies may be available or suitable for investment by U.S. investors. This document may contain forward-looking statements, including observations about markets and industry and regulatory trends as of the original date of this document.Forward-looking statements may be identified by, among other things, the use of words such as “expects,” “anticipates,” “believes,” or “estimates,” or the negatives of these terms,and similar expressions. Forward-looking statements reflect Unigestion’s views as of such date with respect to possible future events. Actual results could differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements as a result of factors beyond a strategy’s or Unigestion’s control. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on such statements. No party has an obligation to update any of the forward-looking statements in this document Return targets or objectives, if any, are used for measurement or comparison purposes and only as a guideline for prospective investors to evaluate a particular investment program’s investment strategies and accompanying information. Performance may fluctuate, especially over short periods. Targeted returns should be evaluated over the time period indicated and not over shorter periods. The past performance of Unigestion, its principals, shareholders, or employees is not indicative of future returns. Except where otherwise specifically noted, the information contained herein, including performance data and assets under management, relates to the entire affiliated group of Unigestion entities over time including that of Unigestion UK. Such information is intended to provide the reader with background regarding the services, investment strategies and personnel of the Unigestion entities. No guarantee is made that all or any of the individuals involved in generating the performance on behalf the other Unigestion entities will be involved in managing any client account on behalf of Unigestion U.K. More specific information regarding Unigestion UK is set forth herein where indicated and is available on request. There is no guarantee that Unigestion will be successful in achieving any investment objectives. An investment strategy contains risks, including the risk of complete loss. The risk management practices and methods described herein are for illustrative purposes only and are subject to modification.
