In a strategic move to accelerate the growth and international expansion of Arendt Investor Services (AIS), BlackFin Capital Partners (BlackFin) and Arendt have entered into a partnership that will see BlackFin become the majority shareholder of the company, subject to CSSF approval and other customary procedures, while Arendt retains a significant stake. This partnership marks a substantial milestone in AIS' development strategy, reinforcing its position in the Luxembourg financial services market and enabling it to scale operations into new jurisdictions. The scope of the transaction also includes the third-party AIFM, AManco.
BlackFin's sector expertise and deep operational insight will serve as key assets in advancing AIS' long-term objectives, while maintaining its commitment to client service excellence and regulatory compliance. BlackFin is the leading private equity and venture capital investor in Europe dedicated exclusively to financial services. With over 100 investments in the industry across the continent, BlackFin brings a unique combination of strategic vision, entrepreneurial drive and operational expertise. BlackFin has been investing in Luxembourg for over 10 years with the support of Arendt, resulting in a long-standing relationship of trust and mutual appreciation for each party's track record.
Having celebrated its 15th anniversary in 2024, AIS has grown significantly in recent years. The company now aims to extend its technological expertise and service offering to other European markets. With a vision to become the premier one-stop-shop partner for alternative asset managers, asset servicers and family offices, AIS offers a comprehensive suite of services ranging from fund administration services, corporate services and governance services to operational AML & compliance services and tax compliance services, as well as third-party AIFM and depositary services. With a team of 320 professionals, AIS supports clients in efficiently managing the operational side of their business, ensuring peace of mind in investor services. AIS is a Professional of the Financial Sector (PFS) supervised by the CSSF and ISO 22301 certified.
Quote from Eric May, Founding Partner of
BlackFin:
"With its one-stop-shop strategy and its culture of excellence
inherited from Arendt & Medernach, AIS offers a differentiated
value proposition for any investor looking to operate in Europe. We
have a long-standing relationship with Arendt and greatly
appreciate their unmatched reputation and leading position in
Luxembourg. We are thrilled to have the opportunity to support AIS
in the next stage of its development, leveraging our deep expertise
in the fund industry and our track record in scaling asset
servicers on an international level. We look forward to working
with Christian Heinen and his team to achieve our vision for the
company."
Quote from Christian Heinen, Arendt Investor Services
CEO:
"Our journey has been shaped by exceptional people, trusted
clients, and a relentless focus on service excellence, supported by
the smart use of technology. With the strength of BlackFin as our
new strategic partner and Arendt continuing as a valued partner, we
are ready to take our growth and ambition to the next level –
strengthening our position in Luxembourg and expanding our reach
across Europe."
By remaining an important shareholder, Arendt continues to ensure a long-term vision for the development of AIS, while maintaining strong synergies with the law firm and its consulting services.
Quote from Claude Niedner, Chairman of the Board of Directors
of Arendt Investor Services, Co-Chair of Arendt:
"The long-term vision that has guided the development of
Arendt Investor Services, together with Arendt & Medernach and
Arendt Regulatory & Consulting, to date remains unchanged. The
Partners of Arendt continue to hold a significant minority stake in
the company and are involved in strategic decisions. Together with
Arendt Investor Services, we remain fully committed to delivering
seamless and high-quality service to all our clients, ensuring
continuity, responsiveness, and the same standards of excellence
that have defined our approach to date."
Deloitte served as exclusive end-to-end M&A adviser and EHP
as legal adviser to Arendt.
BlackFin was advised by Bain & Company as commercial adviser,
PwC as financial, tax and technology adviser, and Clifford Chance
and Gide as legal advisers.