The transaction, subject to regulatory approval and certain conditions, is expected to close in the fourth quarter of 2011. DST and ALPS will remain as separate companies until the transaction is complete.

After transaction close, ALPS will merge with a newly formed DST subsidiary and retain its brand identity. ALPS will go to market as 'ALPS, a DST Company.'

"This transaction represents a healthy and natural progression for each firm," said Ned Burke, CEO of ALPS. "Our suite of asset servicing and asset gathering solutions aligns closely with DST's business goals and objectives. This new relationship allows us to maintain our unique culture at ALPS even as it empowers us to further grow our business."

According to Burke, ALPS, well-recognized in the financial services industry for its top-rated client service, is uniquely positioned to provide expertise in a broad range of products. The acquisition will enable ALPS to leverage the scale and resources of DST, including its technology platform and data center infrastructure, to further expand its offerings in the marketplace.

"The ALPS infrastructure has evolved to serve the entire investment management industry, from product design to service to distribution," says Mr. Burke, "and we've enjoyed a good deal of operational and financial accomplishment to those ends. We look forward to even greater success as part of the DST family of companies."

ALPS has been a portfolio company of Lovell Minnick Partners since September 2005 when the private equity firm acquired a majority interest. According to Jim Minnick, President and Managing Director of Lovell Minnick, the relationship has been a very successful one, "Thanks to the hard work by both management and employees, it's been a rewarding and exciting six-year partnership for us with ALPS." Further, Spencer Hoffman, Managing Director of Lovell Minnick, added, "This transaction demonstrates not only the company's impressive growth over the last few years but also its significant value proposition to the investment management industry going forward."

For DST, the acquisition broadens the firm's offerings to include servicing of exchange traded funds, hedge funds, additional closed-end funds, as well as robust distribution capabilities. The ALPS affiliation also adds fund administration, fund accounting, legal and compliance services, medallion distribution, and creative services to DST's lineup of solutions.

Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC served as the exclusive financial advisor to ALPS for the transaction. Deutsche Bank Securities Inc. served as the exclusive financial advisor to DST for the transaction.