Responsability, a Zurich-based specialist for impact funds and microfinance, is on the lookout for a majority investor.
The Swiss boutique aims to win a new majority shareholder in a transaction which could see its current owners exit entirely, according to a report by «Finanz und Wirtschaft» (behind paywall, in German) on Wednesday. Responsability confirmed this to the Swiss outlet, noting it hoped to find a buyer or group of buyers by the first quarter.
«We're hoping for access to a broader, international, institutional clientele,» Responsability boss Rochus Mommartz commented. The boutique hopes to launch new projects and products more quickly and to grow its assets by 20 percent annually by doing so. It currently oversees 3.4 billion Swiss francs ($3.66 billion).
Foreign Distribution
A major fund house with distribution outside of Switzerland would be ideal. Competitor Blue Orchard sold to Schroders, a major British asset manager, in 2019. Responsability's shareholders are private bank Baumann & Cie, Raiffeisen, reinsurer Swiss Re, Vontobel, and Australian pension fund Christian Super.
Responsability's management and employees hold 14 percent of shares. The boutique suffered during the pandemic, renewing job cuts last year.
