The Magellan Financial Group Ltd (ASX: MFG) share price is dropping lower today following the release of an announcement.
At the time of writing, the fund manager's shares are down slightly to $56.79.
What did Magellan announce?
This morning Magellan announced that it has become a foundation investor in Barrenjoey Capital Partners.
Barrenjoey is a newly established Australian-based full-service financial services company. It will provide corporate and strategic advisory, equity and debt capital market underwritings, cash equities, research, prime brokerage, and traditional fixed income services to Australian and international clients.
The financial services company will be led by a team of experienced executives. This includes Guy Fowler as Executive Chairman and the former Challenger Ltd (ASX: CGF) leader, Brian Benari, as Chief Executive. They will be supported by John Cincotta, Matt Hanning, and Chris Williams as founding partners.
The Chairman of BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP), Ken MacKenzie, is due to join in early 2021 as Barrenjoey's Senior Strategy Partner. Mr MacKenzie will be available to provide strategic advice and senior counsel to CEOs, chairpersons, boards, executive teams and business owners in developing and executing their long-term strategies.
Former Telstra Corporation Ltd (ASX: TLS) executive, Cynthia Whelan, will join as a Senior Adviser.
Partnership model returns.
Magellan's CEO, Brett Cairns, was very pleased to be a founding partner in Barrenjoey and sees a lot of potential in its offering.
He said "Magellan is delighted to be a founding partner of Barrenjoey. We believe the partnership model that leaves control, equity ownership and core decision making with the executives is proven and powerful."
"This partnership model was adopted historically by many investment banks but unfortunately seems to have disappeared over the last 20 years. By offering true ownership and autonomy to staff, we believe that Barrenjoey will be able to attract the best and brightest talent in the country providing clients with the best possible service and outcomes," he added.
What has Magellan invested?
Magellan has made an investment of both cash and scrip for a stake in Barrenjoey.
Its investment comprises the issue of approximately 1.2 million Magellan shares and $90 million of cash, to take a 40% economic ownership interest in Barrenjoey. Though, it will only have a 4.99% voting interest.
The fund manager is also providing Barrenjoey with a $50 million working capital facility to support the growth of the business.
Mr Cairns said "This investment represents a rare opportunity to generate attractive financial returns together with meaningful optionality and diversification prospects for Magellan and its stakeholders over the long term. I look forward to joining the Board of Barrenjoey."
