ESecLending, Old Mutual plc and TA Associates are pleased to announce the planned sale of eSecLending to TA Associates, a leading private equity and buyout firm based in Boston.
ESecLending is a global securities lending manager, at present majority-owned by Old Mutual plc.
ESecLending manages customized securities lending programs for some of the largest global institutional investors, including several of the largest pension funds and investment management companies in the US, UK and Europe. The firm has auctioned well over $750 billion in assets across multiple asset classes since inception and currently has approximately $21 billion in cash collateral assets under management, up from $15 billion as of December 31, 2005. The firm awards principal securities lending business through a competitive auction process that has provided clients with higher returns compared to traditional program structures, improved transparency and objective criteria upon which to make award decisions.
Founded in 1968, TA Associates is one of the world's leading private equity firms and has invested over $1 billion in financial services and financial technology companies. Some of TA's prior investments in the sector include Affiliated Managers Group, AIM Management Group (AMVESCAP), Datek Online Holdings (Ameritrade Holding Corporation), GlobeOp Financial Services, The IntercontinentalExchange, ION Trading Group, The Island ECN (Instinet Group Incorporated), Lava Trading, Numeric Investors and Thomson Advisory Group (PIMCO).
"ESecLending management is delighted to be teaming up with TA," said Susan Peters, CEO of the company. "This transaction allows us access to the talents and experience of TA and its deep network of financial partners, while also maintaining continuity in management and employees, and preserving our independence as a lending agent."
Scott Powers, Chairman of the Board of eSecLending and CEO of Old Mutual Asset Management, added "We are pleased with the results of this transaction. eSecLending and its management team have outperformed our expectations in creating a unique and thriving business which has served its clients extremely well, and delivered strong results for shareholders."
"We welcome this new relationship with eSecLending," said Kenneth T. Schiciano, a Managing Director at TA Associates who will join the company's Board of Directors. "We are confident that by leveraging our deep financial services and technology sector experience, and eSecLending's commitment to delivering outstanding client service, the company will continue its impressive growth."
"ESecLending has many compelling positives, including an impressive management team that combines deep knowledge of the securities lending industry with strong operational experience," said C. Kevin Landry, CEO of TA Associates who will also join the company's Board. "This expertise, combined with increasing acceptance by customers of its business model, should enable eSecLending to expand its leadership position in the securities lending industry."
Putnam Lovell NBF Securities Inc. represented eSecLending as its exclusive financial advisor. Shearman & Sterling LLP provided legal counsel to eSecLending. Evercore Partners represented TA Associates as its exclusive financial advisor. Goodwin Procter LLP provided legal counsel to TA Associates.