Our Financial Services and Funds team has advised Pacific Asset Management ("Pacific") on its acquisition of Asset Value Investors Limited ("AVI").

The transaction will see AVI join Pacific's growing group of specialist investment businesses, while continuing to operate independently under its existing brand and investment approach. Completion remains subject to certain regulatory conditions.

Founded in 1985, AVI has built a strong reputation for its engagement-led investment strategy and concentrated, benchmark-agnostic approach. It is investment manager to three London-listed investment trusts and a range of open-ended funds and is recognised as one of Europe's foremost activist investors. The acquisition further strengthens Pacific's offering in public markets and reflects its continued focus on partnering with high-quality specialist investment teams.

The transaction marks the second deal on which Gowling WLG has advised Pacific this year, having previously supported the business on Pinnacle Investment Management's acquisition of the remaining interests in Pacific that it did not already own.

Our team was led by Partner Kris Rogers and supported by Of Counsel Mike Lacey, Principal Associate Emily Airton and Associates Jack Qualtrough and Oratile Jones. They were supported by Partner Guy Stevenson and Principal Associate Duncan Scott on regulatory aspects alongside other specialist teams.

Our Financial Services and Funds team advises asset managers, investment firms and funds across a broad range of matters, including public and private M&A, strategic investments, fund formation, regulatory matters and commercial arrangements.