Apex Group Ltd, a global financial services provider, has announced the successful close of the acquisition of the Data & Analytics Division of MJ Hudson Plc, a provider of services to the asset management industry, specialising in private markets and alternative investments.
MJ Hudson’s Data & Analytics business includes ESG, Custodian Bank Benchmarking and Quantitative Solutions as well as Investor Relations and Marketing support and will rebrand under the Apex Group banner.
Close of the acquisition of MJ Hudson’s regulated business units remains subject to regulatory approval. These businesses within the Business Outsourcing division include Management Company (“ManCo”) businesses in Luxembourg and Ireland, and Channel Islands Fiduciary and Fund Administration. These businesses will add a team of experienced professionals and approximately €80bn of assets under management (“AuM”) to Apex Group’s existing European ManCo offering, delivered via subsidiary brand FundRock.
MJ Hudson’s high growth ESG advisory services and platforms will supplement and scale Apex Group’s leading ESG Ratings & Advisory offering, which was launched in 2019 and is used by over 400 GPs & LPs and 2,000+ portfolio companies in more than 50 countries. The acquisition will enable Apex Group to expand its reach and capabilities in the ESG software and advisory market, continuing to provide clients with innovative and value-added solutions.
The Custodian Bank Benchmarking division provides new benchmarking and analytics services supporting by two decades of data, including custody, fund accounting, investment operations and FX benchmarking to asset managers and institutional investors, largely in the long only public equity asset class.
In addition, MJ Hudson’s Investor Relations & Marketing as well as Quantitative Solutions business lines offer complementary SaaS, regulatory risk consulting and marketing services to the investment industry.
Apex Group’s ownership will provide additional growth capital, resources and global reach, which will benefit existing MJ Hudson clients through an extended range advisory services, technological capabilities and geographical footprint. This is the latest in a series of strategic acquisitions for Apex Group, including successful integrations of Sanne Group and Maitland, which continue to expand the Group’s single-source solution, local presence and technology platforms available to clients.
Peter Hughes (pictured), Founder and Chief Executive Officer of the Apex Group commented: “We are pleased to welcome the clients and employees of these business divisions of MJ Hudson which will deepen our service offering and will add complementary solutions, including in the fast-growing ESG space. As we drive positive change in the industry, we will continue to evolve our pioneering ESG solutions to be the best possible partner for our clients; the addition of MJ Hudson’s ESG & Sustainability business further reinforces our position as a leading service provider. We look forward to updating the market on the successful conclusion of our acquisition of MJ Hudson’s regulated business activities including ManCo solutions, in due course.”
Apex Group was advised by Rothschild & Co and Kirkland & Ellis International LLP. MJ Hudson was advised by Alvarez & Marsal and Walker Morris.
