Tikehau Capital and Nikko Asset Management finalize strategic partnership in Asia

Tikehau Capital, the global alternative asset management group, and Nikko Asset Management, one of Asia’s largest asset managers, announced the signing and launch of their strategic partnership.

The partnership encompasses three key components designed to enhance both groups’ global investment capabilities and presence through a distribution agreement, a joint venture, and Nikko Asset Management taking an equity stake in Tikehau Capital. This formalizes the partnership initially announced in December 2023.

1. The distribution agreement goes into effect immediately, giving Nikko Asset Management exclusive distribution rights mainly in Japan, and non-exclusive distribution rights in other selected Asian markets, for Tikehau Capital’s products, including its European Direct Lending, Private Equity Decarbonization and Private Debt Secondaries strategies, as well as any other funds deemed appropriate.
2. The joint venture is to be located in Singapore, with incorporation and submission of a licensing application targeted by the end of the 2024 calendar year. The launch of the joint venture is subject to obtaining regulatory approval. The objective is to jointly develop Asia focused private asset investment strategies, bringing the best capabilities of the two groups together. This joint venture aims to efficiently design and launch products to respond to the growing investor demand for private assets, while tackling strong secular investment themes. At first, the joint venture will leverage Tikehau Capital’s expertise and track record achieved in Europe to launch a dedicated investment strategy focusing on decarbonization in Asia. The products would be distributed by both groups’ global networks.
3. Nikko Asset Management is in the process of acquiring an equity stake in Tikehau Capital. This stake, which will remain below the first applicable statutory disclosure threshold, is a significant step in cementing the alliance between both groups.

Nikko Asset Management, which manages over $240 billion of assets, brings to the partnership an extensive distribution and client service network, an established reputation and a wealth of experience and market intelligence, enhancing Tikehau Capital’s presence in Japan and across Asia.

Tikehau Capital has steadily expanded its presence in Asia for a decade, driven by regional coverage, with the opening of several local offices, and the onboarding of top-tier clients and partners. This strategic alliance with Nikko Asset Management is a major step forward in expanding Tikehau Capital’s footprint in Asia, through a deeper client reach and additional investment capabilities.

Tikehau Capital brings to this partnership a wealth of expertise and a robust track record in the private markets sector, supported by a team of seasoned professionals with extensive experience. Driven by its entrepreneurial spirit, Tikehau Capital aims to be at the forefront of innovation, notably as a pioneer in the European mid-market private debt, sustainability and impact, as well as credit secondaries spaces.

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