BlackRock, State Street Exploring Takeover Of Credit Suisse Asset Management Arm
TYLER DURDEN, 09 April 2021
Earlier, several financial media outlets reported that Credit Suisse was considering dramatically shrinking or selling off its prime brokerage unit, the hedge-fund-focused business that just lost $4.7 billion for the bank, obliterating 18 months of the bank’s average net profits.
But in the last few hours, the focus has shifted to the bank’s asset management unit, amid reports that several American firms might be interested in making a bid, even as the bank has yet to release the final tally of expected losses from the Greensill debacle.
With Credit Suisse stock trading at its lowest level in months after a 25% drop, some apparently see an opportunity for a deal. According to Reuters, a SPAC has partnered with BlackRock to hash out the possibility of making a bid to spin out Credit Suisse’s asset management business, where the busted Greensill-stocked trade finance funds were based.
And they’re not the only bidders. BlackRock rival State Street is also reportedly weighing a bid.
BlackRock and Jean-Pierre Mustier’s blank-check firm are among investors expressing interest in Credit Suisse’s asset management arm, three sources told Reuters, as the Swiss lender explores options for the unit after a run of costly scandals.
