Waddell & Reed wealth management platform sold to LPL Financial
Macquarie Asset Management (MAM), the asset management division of Macquarie Group (ASX: MQG; ADR: MQBKY), today announced the completion of its acquisition of Waddell & Reed Financial, Inc. (NYSE: WDR), one of the oldest asset and wealth management companies in the United States.
Concurrent with the completion of the transaction, Macquarie sold WDR's wealth management platform to LPL Financial Holdings Inc. (Nasdaq: LPLA), a leading US retail investment advisory firm, independent broker-dealer, and registered investment advisor custodian. In connection with this transaction, Macquarie and LPL have entered into a long-term partnership, with Macquarie becoming one of LPL's top-tier strategic asset management partners.
Shawn Lytle, President of Delaware Funds® by Macquarie and Head of Macquarie Group in the Americas, said, "We are pleased to welcome the Ivy Funds shareholders to the Delaware Funds by Macquarie. Both fund families have a shared focus on delivering strong investment results and an excellent client experience for all. This combination, along with our enhanced partnership with LPL, unlocks substantial value for Waddell & Reed advisors and their clients."
LPL Financial President and Chief Executive Officer Dan Arnold said, "Waddell & Reed advisors are seasoned and well-regarded throughout the industry and are a strong cultural and strategic fit with us. We look forward to supporting them with our comprehensive platform that helps them design and operate the perfect practice for them and their clients. Waddell & Reed and Macquarie have been strong partners throughout the process, and we look forward to our ongoing collaboration."
MAM will retain Waddell & Reed Financial, Inc.'s asset management business, bringing $US76 billion in assets under management. The transaction will result in MAM becoming a top 20¹ actively managed, long-term open-end US mutual fund manager by assets under management.
About Macquarie Asset Management
Macquarie Asset Management (MAM) is a specialist global asset manager, providing investment solutions across a range of capabilities including infrastructure & renewables, real estate, agriculture, asset finance, private credit, equities, fixed income and multi-asset solutions.
As at 31 December 2020, MAM had $A550.9 billion of assets under management and over 1,900 staff operating across 20 markets in Australia, the Americas, Europe and Asia.
MAM has been managing assets for institutional and retail investors since 1980 in Australia and in the United States, retail investors recognize Delaware Funds® by Macquarie family of funds as one of the longest standing mutual fund families, with more than 80 years in existence.
