UK-based Liontrust Asset Management has expanded its Asia and EM business with the acquisition of Occam, an emerging markets fund manager. The terms of the transaction were not revealed.

Liontrust said in a statement that the purchase will enhance its fund management, distribution, marketing and operations teams and add two of the faster-growing asset classes, Asia and global emerging markets funds, to Liontrust’s existing UK and European range.

In addition to this Occam will bring a range of Dublin funds and established distribution capabilities in continental Europe, the Middle East and other international markets to supplement Liontrust’s traditional focus on UK-based investors, the statement continued.

“This is the next step in the development of Liontrust. The business now has the foundations from which to grow following the restructuring of the business, developing the brand, raising awareness and returning to net inflows,” said John Ions, chief executive of Liontrust.

“Liontrust provides greater resources and infrastructure for us, giving us a broader base from which to move forward,” said Jonathan Hughes-Morgan, CEO of Occam.

Liontrust managed £1.3 billion ($2.1 billion) in UK and European equities at 14 June 2011.