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Fort Capital Partners is pleased to announce that EQB Inc. (“EQB”) (TSX: EQB and EQB.PR.C) and ACM Advisors Ltd. (“ACM”) have entered into a definitive agreement by which EQB will acquire a 75% interest in ACM in a cash and share transaction (the “Transaction”). The Transaction is subject to regulatory approval, and expected to be completed in Q4 2023.
With $4.8 billion in assets under management as of September 30, 2023, ACM is one of the most respected independent alternative asset managers in Canada. Established in 1993 and based in Vancouver, British Columbia, ACM specializes in the creation, structuring, and management of pooled Canadian commercial mortgage funds on behalf of pension plans, investment funds, charitable foundations, corporations, and accredited retail investors. ACM will operate as an independent subsidiary of EQB (separate and distinct from EQB’s wholly owned subsidiary Equitable Bank, Canada’s Challenger BankTM).
Andrew Moor, President and CEO of EQB, said, “Organically and through accretive acquisitions, we’ve positioned EQB to grow, innovate, and diversify as a leading Canadian financial services company. The addition of ACM, one of the most well-respected alternative fund managers in Canada with a focus on commercial assets, brings EQB an exciting platform for expansion with new capabilities. ACM’s pooled funds expertly invest in curated commercial real estate mortgages to deliver best-in-class long-term returns for its clients. This is an asset class EQB knows well since we have provided financing to commercial clients for more than 50 years within Equitable Bank. As part of EQB, ACM has the support to successfully scale in the years ahead.”
Chad Mallow, President and CEO of ACM, said, “We’re delighted to join EQB as we continue to bring industry-leading asset management services to Canadian investors. We believe that a partnership with EQB will further accelerate our growth plans. We’re excited to continue to service new and existing clients while generating leading product solutions under the EQB Inc. brand.”
Fort Capital Partners is acting as Financial Advisor to ACM on the Transaction. Borden Ladner Gervais LLP is acting as legal advisor to ACM and McCarthy Tetrault LLP is acting as legal advisor to EQB.