Genstar Capital Acquires Asset International

June 20, 2014 (PLANSPONSOR.com) – Asset International, the parent company of PLANSPONSOR and PLANADVISER, has been acquired by middle market private equity firm Genstar Capital.

Genstar Capital focuses on investments in financial services, software, health care, and industrial technologies. Asset International (AI), founded in 2009 by Chairman and CEO Jim Casella, provides data analytics, business intelligence and information services to the global investment management industry.  AI delivers proprietary data and analytics, as well as marketing solutions that target global asset managers.

AI’s client base includes more than 500 firms in the asset management industry, representing more than $20 trillion of global assets under management. AI’s recognized data products include the Simfund Mutual Fund database, Strategic Insight, Investor Economics and Plan for Life.  The firm’s portfolio of marketing solutions and industry publications includes brands such as PLANSPONSOR, PLANADVISER, Chief Investment Officer, Global Custodian, and The Trade.

Tony Salewski, principal of Genstar, said, “Asset International is a strong, vertically focused information services business that we have followed for several years, and it is an exciting platform from which to build a global leader in financial data and marketing services. We are pleased that Jim chose to partner with us and we look forward to working with him to capture additional customers, accelerate product innovation, and expand the geographic reach of the company. Given the significant fragmentation among information providers globally, we have also committed capital to pursue acquisitions.”

Casella added, “Our superior data has allowed us to build strong client relationships, and our business intelligence products are differentiated by their quality and ease of use. We are uniquely positioned to grow our client base and benefit from the long-term growth in retirement saving and planning driven by aging demographic trends worldwide. With Genstar’s help and expertise we will better capitalize on opportunities within our existing base of large enterprise clients, expand the product portfolio into adjacent sectors, and increase market share in underpenetrated international geographies.”

The transaction is expected to close in July 2014, subject to customary closing conditions. More information is available at www.gencap.com.

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