Columbia Threadneedle Investments to acquire Lionstone Investments

Columbia Threadneedle Investments announced an agreement for Columbia Management Investment Advisers to acquire Lionstone Partners.

“We believe our broad institutional capabilities and relationships, together with our investment research insights, make this an excellent fit,” said Ted Truscott, CEO of Columbia Threadneedle Investments. “Real estate is an important asset class for institutional and retail clients, and we are enthusiastic about the opportunity to further our capabilities in this growing asset class.”

The company did not disclose terms of the acquisition. The transaction is expected to close later this year.

Lionstone specializes in investment strategies based upon proprietary analytics and manages approximately $6 billion in assets.

The acquisition will extend Columbia Threadneedle’s investment capabilities into U.S. real estate, an important asset class that is projected to attract increasing allocations from both institutional and retail investors. Lionstone will accelerate its evolution as an advanced analytics firm, gaining access to the broader asset gathering, client service and research capabilities of Columbia Threadneedle, while benefiting from the financial strength of Ameriprise Financial.

The acquisition will expand Columbia Threadneedle’s offerings across the alternatives asset management category. It adds complementary real estate capabilities to the firm’s $10.5 billion U.K. property business and further develops its multi-asset solution capabilities.

Lionstone will retain its brand name and identity within Columbia Threadneedle as well as its Houston headquarters. The executive team will remain in place.