
The AXA IM BNP Paribas merger is a significant development in the financial industry.
AXA Investment Managers (AXA IM) and BNP Paribas Investment Partners (BNP Paribas IP) are merging to create a leading global investment manager.
The merger aims to provide clients with a broader range of investment solutions and expertise.
The combined entity will have €1.8 trillion in assets under management and more than 2,000 investment professionals.
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AXA IM-BNP Paribas Merger
The proposed sale of AXA's €844bn investment management business to BNP Paribas could see the creation of two enlarged real estate and infrastructure fund managers with assets under management (AUM) of €108bn and €19.7bn, respectively.
The deal would see BNP Paribas taking on a larger investment management business, boosting its total AUM to approximately €1.5trn. This would include AXA IM Alts, which manages €82bn in private real estate, €90bn in private debt and alternative credit, and €17bn in infrastructure.
AXA IM Alts is led by global head Isabelle Scemama, while BNP Paribas REIM is led by Jean-Maxime Jouis, global head of investment management and CEO of BNP Paribas REIM France.
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The merger would see BNP Paribas taking on a larger investment management business, boosting its total AUM to approximately €1.5trn. This includes AXA IM Alts, which manages €82bn in private real estate, €90bn in private debt and alternative credit, and €17bn in infrastructure.
The deal is expected to close in Q2 2025, and there will be no change to AXA IM's organisation, products, services, and operations during this time. The sole focus of their teams remains on delivering performance, serving clients, and growing their business.
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Reasons for the Merger
The proposed merger between AXA and BNP Paribas is a major deal that will create two enlarged real estate and infrastructure fund managers with assets under management (AUM) of €108bn and €19.7bn, respectively.
The deal is worth €5.1bn and will see BNP Paribas take on a larger investment management business, boosting its total AUM to approximately €1.5trn.
AXA's investment management business, AXA IM, will continue to operate independently for now, with its global head Isabelle Scemama at the helm.
The merger aims to create a European market-leading asset management firm, with over €1.5trn of AUM.
AXA IM stated that the potential combination with BNP Paribas Asset Management represents a major growth opportunity for AXA IM, allowing it to pursue sustainable growth while continuing to serve clients with the best standards.
The deal is set to close in Q2 2025, pending regulatory approvals and other conditions.
AXA and BNP Paribas will enter into a long-term strategic partnership under which BNP Paribas will provide investment management services to AXA.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who bought AXA?
AXA was sold to BNP Paribas Cardif insurance business in a deal worth 5.1 billion euros. BNP Paribas Cardif is a subsidiary of BNP Paribas.
Sources
- https://www.axa.com/en/press/press-releases/axa-enters-into-an-exclusive-negotiation-to-sell-axa-investment-managers-to-bnp-paribas
- https://realassets.ipe.com/news/axa-im-bnp-paribas-merger-to-take-real-assets-aum-to-more-than-120bn/10075018.article
- https://alternativecreditinvestor.com/2024/08/02/axa-ims-alternatives-arm-was-key-attraction-for-bnp-paribas/
- https://www.insurancejournal.com/news/international/2024/08/02/786716.htm
- https://www.marketsmedia.com/bnp-paribas-exclusively-negotiates-to-buy-axa-im-for-e5-1bn/
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