Kneip is a leading European fund data specialist based in Luxembourg with a broad set of services and long-standing relationships in the asset management industry
Deutsche Börse Group confirmed today that it is expanding its offering in the data services space by acquiring Kneip Communication S.A., a European fund data specialist. According to a joint statement, the companies have reached an agreement through which Deutsche Börse will acquire 100 percent of the Luxembourg-based fund data manager. Further terms of the transaction were not disclosed. The transaction is expected to be completed by the end of March this year.
Kneip manages investor disclosure and data publication for more than 10,000 funds in over 40 countries, including the production of over 200,000 reporting solutions. Kneip currently services over 30 percent of EU-based fund ISINs.
Analysts say the partnership forms the basis for creating a leading fund data hub based in Luxembourg. Kneip will seek to further scale the business and expand its range of services inside Deutsche Börse Group, including data and post-trade services provided by Clearstream. Deutsche Börse confirmed it intends to connect Kneip’s services with its established fund services platforms, and the focus will be on significantly simplifying the process of data management and services for asset managers and other market participants across the fund ecosystem.
Philippe Seyll, Head of Investment Fund Services at Deutsche Börse Group, said that, through Kneip’s global reach and broad range of services, they will be able to further develop their product and service offerings and add value for funds clients at every stage of their business. “This is also a unique opportunity to create a leading European fund data champion based in Luxembourg,” Seyll said.
Deutsche Börse Group said it considers fund services and data to be key areas for future growth, and the Group intends to grow its market position organically via further investment in its existing businesses, and through targeted acquisitions. “Kneip delivers on these growth areas and will continue to operate as a strong member of the Luxembourg fund services community,” the banking giant said in a statement.
“We are excited about accelerating our investment in our teams and in Kneip’s growth as part of the Deutsche Börse Group. “Clearstream has a long history of driving innovation within the financial sector and shares our vision, values and our commitment to customer service,” said Enrique Sacau, CEO at Kneip. “Deutsche Börse’s scale and resources will broaden our portfolio and boost our ability to deliver more value to clients faster,” he added.
According to industry analysts, this partnership will benefit mutual clients and teams. “Efficient, sustainable and scalable fund data management will contribute to making this world a safer place for investors and savers,” said Enrique Sacau, CEO at Kneip.
