Cevian Invests in UBS for a Valuation Premium

Cevian, a Swedish investment firm, has taken a significant stake in UBS, one of the largest financial services companies in the world.

By doing so, Cevian has secured a valuation premium for UBS, which is a testament to the company's strong financials and growth prospects.

Cevian's investment is a vote of confidence in UBS's ability to navigate the complex financial landscape and drive long-term value for its shareholders.

The partnership between Cevian and UBS is expected to yield significant benefits for both parties, including enhanced financial performance and strategic growth opportunities.

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Cevian's Investment in UBS is a significant move that signals confidence in the bank's future. Cevian Capital, a £11 billion asset management firm, has acquired a £1 billion stake in UBS.

This stake, worth SwFr1.1 billion, represents a 1.3 per cent shareholding in the Zurich-based bank. Cevian believes UBS will reap the benefits of its rescue of Credit Suisse, a deal that has driven up shares in the bank by over 50 per cent since mid-March.

Cevian's stake in UBS is a vote of confidence in the bank's leadership, particularly CEO Sergio Ermotti and Chairman Colm Kelleher. The activist investor sees significant value potential in UBS and believes its shares could double in price.

Cevian's managing partner, Lars Forberg, praised the board and management team for their commitment to integrating Credit Suisse. He noted that UBS is now the largest global wealth manager, with unique market positions and financial strength.

Cevian's investment in UBS is not its only move in the Swiss finance industry. The firm has also taken a stake in Baloise Holding AG, another Swiss insurer.

Cevian Capital AB, an activist fund, recently took a stake in UBS Group AG, marking its second big investment in the Swiss finance industry.

Cevian is known for acquiring substantial minority ownership positions in what they see as undervalued companies. This approach has led to significant returns in the past.

The fund joins UBS, Vanguard Group Inc, and BlackRock Inc as major shareholders in Baloise Holding AG, another Swiss finance company.

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The UBS has big plans for US investment banking. They're aiming to grow their wealth management business, especially with super wealthy American clients.

Their goal is to become a "global champion" from Europe, and they see the acquisition of CS as a huge opportunity to achieve this. Rob Karofsky, the head of UBS investment banking, wants to position the combined entity as a top player in the US market.

Karofsky's ambition is to reach number 6 in the US market, a significant jump from their current ranking of 12. This is a bold move, but one that could pay off if executed correctly.

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In today's world, bank players like Morgan Stanley, backed by a U.S. government capable of taking on unlimited amounts of debt, may naturally enjoy a "U.S. valuation premium".

The U.S. government's ability to take on debt is a significant factor in this premium, as it allows Morgan Stanley to benefit from a more stable financial environment.

Morgan Stanley's valuation premium is also influenced by the size of the U.S. central bank, the Fed, which is ten times bigger than the Swiss National Bank.

This size difference can provide a significant advantage to Morgan Stanley, making it a more attractive investment opportunity.

The Swiss National Bank, on the other hand, has limited ability to bear the potential risks of UBS's global activities, resulting in a "Swiss discount" for the bank.

Investors are aware that every government will prioritize its own players in times of crisis, making U.S. banks like Morgan Stanley more attractive.

The U.S. banks, despite not meeting Basel III requirements, have received a significant guarantee from the government and a $400 billion injection from the Fed.

This level of support has made U.S. banks like Morgan Stanley perceived as better protected and more secure, which contributes to their valuation premium.

The U.S. government's response to the Covid crisis, with a $5 trillion liquidity injection, has also contributed to the perception of U.S. banks as more secure.

The US Investment Banking scene is heating up, and UBS is making big moves to become a major player. They're prioritizing the growth of wealth management, particularly with high-net-worth American clients.

UBS is aiming to become a global champion in investment banking, according to Rob Karofsky, their investment banking chief. This is a big goal, but they're confident after acquiring the CS investment banking division.

The CS division was one of the largest investment banks in Europe before its collapse, and it had a strong presence in the US market. In contrast, UBS had to drastically shrink its investment bank during the financial crisis, which left them vulnerable to becoming irrelevant.

Karofsky is now targeting a spot in the top six US investment banks, a significant improvement from their current ranking of 12. With the CS acquisition, UBS has a chance to rebuild its market position and become a major force in US investment banking.

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