UK's largest fund Schroders acquires 25% stake in Axis Mutual Fund

Britain's largest asset management company Schroders has acquired a 25% stake in Axis Bank-promoted Axis Mutual Fund for an undisclosed amount. The deal will help the Indian fund house access Schroders' global distribution network and advise overseas funds invested in Indian securities.The Economic Times had written on March 14 that Schroders Investment Management was in talks with Axis Bank to acquiring stake in its mutual fund arm. As part of the deal, Schroders will have one board member each on the AMC's board and Axis Mutual Fund trustee company. Schroders Investment Management is a UK-based firm managing $291 billion worldwide. Schroders had applied to the Securities and Exchange Board of India (Sebi) in April 2008 to start a mutual fund business in India, but did not secure a licence till last year. Axis Mutual, which started operations in 2009, has equity assets worth Rs 640 crore. Axis Mutual Fund's total assets under management (AUM) stood at Rs 8,815 crore as on March 31.Said Rajiv Anand, managing director & CEO of Axis Mutual Fund, the deal valuation is in line with other deals struck during the year."The deal will help us promote our fund products globally through Schroders' distribution network. Schroders will also bring their products to India," said Rajiv Anand, managing director and CEO, Axis Mutual Fund.