Deals & People July 5, 2011

MetWest Closes Acquisition of Investment Adviser

MetWest Ventures LLC announced it has acquired a majority interest in Reed Conner & Birdwell, LLC (RCB).

Reported by

Los Angeles-based RCB is a value equity investment adviser with $1.6 billion under management. MetWest reports that the principals of Aristotle Capital Management, another of its affiliates, are expected to join RCB’s management team during the next several months.

Richard S. Hollander, Chairman and founder of MetWest Ventures, will become Chairman of RCB, and Richard Schweitzer will serve as CFO and Chief Compliance Officer at RCB. RCB’s senior investment team will remain in place, managing clients’ portfolios and actively participating in the business.

“The anticipated integration of these two successful investment platforms, in conjunction with the resources of MetWest Ventures, is expected to provide benefits to all areas of the firm including investment research, trading, client service, back office and product distribution,” said Hollander. “Ultimately, creating what we believe is a stronger investment management company with improved products and services.”