Robeco and SAM Group create the leading sustainability platform

13 Dec 2006 - Rotterdam and Zurich
Robeco and Swiss based SAM Group (Sustainable Asset Management) join forces to launch the global number 1 Platform for Sustainability Investments. SAM Group is one of the world-wide leading asset managers for sustainability investments, universally recognized for water & energy funds and constructing and licensing the Dow Jones Sustainability Indexes (DJSI), a joint initiative with Dow Jones Indexes and STOXX. The strategic co-operation between Robeco and SAM Group will open new business opportunities and generate promising growth potential for the combined group.

Two leading players join their respective forces to form a global “powerhouse” in sustainability investing, capitalizing on the booming demand for sustainability products and services. SAM Group’s Assets under Management (CHF 3.6 billion) and Assets under Advice (CHF 6.4 billion) amount to a total of CHF 10 billion. SAM Group’s core offering includes institutional asset management and innovative theme investments funds such as water and smart energy.The joint offering will be geared at both retail and private investors as well as sophisticated institutional parties like public pension funds. Robeco and SAM Group have ambitious growth objectives and will invest into new client segments, product development and new markets to the benefit of their clients. Within this joint platform, Robeco takes a 64% stake in SAM Group and 36% are held by SAM Group’s management and employees. No further details of the agreement were disclosed.

George Möller CEO of Robeco: "We are confident that sustainability investing will become a dominant theme in asset management and will increase further in importance. Climate change, smart energy technologies and the depletion of scarce resources are a firm fixture on the international agenda and offer very attractive investment opportunities. Demand is growing for this area from our international investor bases and we see excellent opportunities to provide an innovative range of funds to benefit our clients. SAM Group is the leading investment manager in this area.

This cooperation is a very important strategic move for Robeco. It strengthens our leading position as a global player giving us a top position in the area of sustainability from which we plan to build, using our international distribution channels"

SAM Group will act as the centre of excellence for sustainability investing within the Robeco Group. Its unique research and investment expertise, theme and technology competence coupled with the world’s largest Corporate Sustainability database form a powerful base for new product development and innovation. In return, Robeco will contribute its expertise in various areas such as structured products, funds of private equity funds, emerging markets and fixed income expertise and its global sales and distribution platforms in Europe, Asia, North America and in the Middle East. These areas have high synergy and development potential with SAM Group’s approach.

Reto Ringger, CEO and founder of the SAM Group said “The growth prospects for Sustainability Investments are extremely promising and this co-operation opens exciting new business opportunities. The model of an independently operated asset management group with the strategic support of a shareholder with a strong, triple A-rated parent company will lead to new dimensions: For our clients, for SAM Group as well as for our employees ”

SAM Group’s management and philosophy remain unchanged. The Board of Directors will now comprise five individuals: Dr. Albert Gnägi (among other posts, Chairman of the Board of Forbo Holding) and an additional independent director, Messrs. George Möller (CEO Robeco) and Sander van Eijkern (Member of the Executive Board of Robeco), as well as Reto Ringger (CEO of the SAM Group).

Contact Information

Ronald Florisson

Robeco Corporate Communications

Robeco

Contact via E-mail