Aztec

Aztec

November 2024
UK & Ireland, > £500m

Liberty advises the management team of Aztec Group as it welcomes Warburg Pincus as strategic partner

Liberty Corporate Finance is delighted to announce they have advised the management team of Aztec Group ("Aztec"), a leading international fund and corporate services provider, on its strategic partnership with Warburg Pincus, a leading global growth investor, which will see Warburg Pincus become a minority shareholder and key client of the Group.

This agreement, which is subject to the relevant regulatory approvals, will support Aztec's long-term ambitions and the expansion of its client services as it moves beyond its strong position in Europe to become a global player in the high-growth U.S. market and beyond.

With over $83bn in assets under management (AUM), Warburg Pincus intends to actively use Aztec as the preferred partner for certain fund administration services on an ongoing basis across its global footprint. The investment is a significant endorsement of Aztec's current strategy and future prospects.

Having Warburg Pincus on board supports and accelerates Aztec's build out of capacity and capability in the U.S. in particular, ensuring the Group is even better placed to serve its clients. As the largest Private Capital market in the world, U.S. Private Fund AUM is forecast to grow from $6.6 trillion in 2022 to $12.2 trillion in 2028, driven by a 10.8% CAGR which is the fastest of any region. This partnership will ensure Aztec is in a stronger position to capitalise on these opportunities in the U.S. and more widely.

Founded in Jersey in 2001, Aztec Group delivers award-winning fund and corporate services to the alternative assets industry. Aztec has established itself as a leading player in Europe, while also expanding into new markets and broadening its offering, with an ambition to become the premium provider of private market asset services globally. The Group now employs over 2,100 people, managing over €600 billion in assets under administration and 450 funds for a wide range of clients, from large institutions and mid-market firms to multi-national corporates.

Aztec will continue to be led by its experienced management team, headed by Chief Executive Officer Kathryn Purves, as the Group further develops into international markets and extends its client base. Founder and Chair, Edward Moore, will remain the Group's majority shareholder.

Welcoming Warburg Pincus highlights the increasing strength of Aztec and the significant potential that lies ahead. Throughout our discussions with Warburg Pincus, supported by Simon and the team at Liberty, there was excitement on both sides at the prospect of a partnership with an investor with a strong track record in supporting businesses like ours to further their growth trajectories.

Kathryn Purves
Chief Executive Officer of Aztec Group

We are delighted to have supported the Aztec Group on this very significant milestone for the business. The investment from Warburg Pincus is testament to Aztec’s outstanding success story; a company built on the strategic vision of its founder Edward Moore, and now being led by Kathryn and team into the next phase of growth into the US and beyond. We are confident Warburg Pincus’s support as both a customer and investor will propel Aztec to even greater heights.

Simon Hill
Partner
+44 (0) 7813 601 051
simon.hill@liberty-cf.com