SVM Asset Management, Saracen and Revera are set to rebrand as part of an enlarged River and Mercantile.

Investment manager River and Mercantile this week announced a significant expansion, with plans to bring together the four active equity asset management subsidiaries of AssetCo, its parent company, under the River and Mercantile brand. 

The changes are expected to take place during the course of 2023, the firm said in a statement.

The new initiative will bring together R&M’s existing operations with SVM Asset Management, Saracen Fund Managers and Revera Asset Management under a common brand and operating structure, the firm continued. 

This is part of R&M’s growth strategy of establishing a number of high performing capabilities and combining them with the research facilities and depth of resource of the enlarged group for the benefit of clients.

Martin Gilbert, chairman of AssetCo said: “Our aim has always been to develop an operating model for our asset management businesses, which will improve scalability, drive material cost synergies and strengthen distribution.” 

“It is testament to the complementary nature of the active equity asset management businesses we have acquired and the co-operative manner in which they have worked together since, that they have been able to announce this coming together so quickly after becoming part of the AssetCo group of businesses.”

Alex Hoctor-Duncan, R&M’s CEO, added: “We see a significant opportunity over the next few years to grow our market share in the UK and to move into new geographies.” 

“As part of this, I am delighted to announce this reorganisation which I believe will deliver significant benefits to clients across all four firms, as well as build on the strength of the River and Mercantile brand,” he continued. 

Graham Campbell, CEO of Saracen Fund Managers, said: “We have been working closely with the R&M team over the last few months and can already see the benefits of a unified equity team, led by James Sym, as well as the enhanced distribution capabilities of R&M.”

"I am enormously proud of everything we have achieved over the last 30 years. I am excited to see, and help, the business develop under the River and Mercantile name in the future," Colin McLean, managing director and CIO of SVM Asset Management, added.

James Sym, head of equities at R&M, said: “Successful boutique asset managers have at their heart a strong investment process, an innovative and collaborative culture and talented individuals who enjoy coming to work. We are very fortunate to have these in place at R&M and have been enjoying working closely with our new colleagues as we continue to bring our investment capabilities to a wider audience.”