close targets expansion despite losses in asset management arm

Close Brothers said it plans to continue its focus on growth and development despite reporting a loss in its asset management division for the full year.

close targets expansion despite losses in asset management arm

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In the 12 months to 31 July it posted a £9 million loss in its asset management arm, but said it had made significant progress with the division’s "transformation".

Preben Prebensen, chief executive of the firm, said: "During the year we have exited a number of non-core businesses which leaves us with a more streamlined group and allows us to focus on growing and developing our core business in banking, securities and asset management."

Over the year the asset management division disposed of a number of core businesses including the property funds business and the UK offshore and Cayman Islands offerings.

Disposals raised approximately £45 million of proceeds which are being reinvested in the division.

Assets Under Management (AUM) grew from £3.3bn to £6.5bn in the year, chiefly due to three acquisitions amounting to £2.6bn.

Two IFA firms, Chartwell and Cavanagh, and an execution only business, Allenbridge, were acquired in the period.

As a whole the group saw operating profit of £132.2m for the year, up from £116.5m at the same time last year.

Its banking division led the increase, with 34% growth in its adjusted operating profit to £106m.

Meanwhile, its securities arm delivered what Close said was "a solid performance in variable market conditions" with adjusted operating profit reduced 8% overall to £55m. 

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