Nomura Completes Purchase of 41 Percent Stake in American Century Investments

Nomura announced its intention to purchase the stake in American Century on December 21, 2015. The stake was purchased from CIBC for approximately $1 billion.

“I am delighted to confirm that we have completed the purchase of a 41 percent stake in American Century and we have great expectations for this collaboration,” said Koji Nagai, Nomura Group CEO. “Nomura’s Asset Management business is central to the success of the Nomura Group and we expect the partnership with American Century to bring profound value to both firms. Our decision to invest in American Century confirms Nomura’s commitment to cultivating its international footprint and providing a broad range of investment options to clients, who are at the heart of everything we do.”

“Nomura Asset Management is committed to providing products and services that best suit our clients’ needs and this is a value which is also shared by American Century,” said Kunio Watanabe, CEO of Nomura Asset Management. “Our expanded presence in the U.S. and collaboration with American Century is a very significant development and will be driven by our complementary client franchises, corresponding product lines and a shared investment outlook. We look forward to working together for the benefit of both firms and ultimately our clients.”

“American Century is excited to be entering into a strategic business partnership with Nomura, a successful financial services group, whose pre-eminence in Japan and throughout Asia is unmatched,” said Jonathan Thomas, American Century Investments’ President and Chief Executive Officer. "By leveraging the complementary asset management expertise of both firms, we will be able to bring a broader array of investment solutions to our respective clients around the world.”

The deal is intended to allow Nomura to access and leverage American Century’s asset management capabilities to develop investment solutions for its retail and institutional clients internationally. It also helps the firm further diversify its business interests, giving Nomura an expanded investment footprint in the U.S. investment management market.

Nomura will name two representatives to American Century’s 11-person board of directors. Nomura will also have a 10.1 percent voting interest.