CHARLOTTE, NC (November 19, 2024) – Horizon Investments, LLC, a leader in providing the financial advisor community with highly customized investment and technology solutions, today announced that it has entered into an agreement to acquire a majority of the assets of Centre Asset Management, a New York-based active equity manager founded in 2006.
“It became clear early in our discussions what an outstanding cultural match the Centre team would be for us here at Horizon, and we’re thrilled to be adding their active equity expertise to our in-house investment management team,” said John Drahzal, President & Chief Executive Officer of Horizon. “Over 4,000 financial advisors trust us with their most complex investment management needs, and now they have a new resource to serve their clients. We remain focused on supporting these advisors and expanding our reach through continued organic initiatives and additional acquisitions; we look forward to announcing more exciting updates in the months and years to come.”
“Our investment management process is designed to offer financial advisors solutions and portfolios that align with their clients’ financial goals, backed by rigorous processes and a results-driven approach. Centre Chief Investment Officer James Abate and his team share this vision, and his expertise in active equity will be a key addition to our team,” added Scott Ladner, Chief Investment Officer with Horizon. Centre’s founder, James Abate, will join Horizon in the newly created role of Managing Director, Fundamental Equities, and continue to serve as the portfolio manager for Centre’s strategies currently offered in mutual fund and UCITS structures. The consummation of the transaction is subject to customary closing conditions, including fund shareholder approvals, with closing expected to occur in the first half of 2025.
“At Centre we’ve long promoted our active and research-intensive approach to fundamental security selection, which we believe can help deliver long‐term results for investors through our focus on producing returns and managing risk and downside volatility. By joining Horizon, we’ll be part of a larger team enhancing our resources, and that shares our focus and commitment to building better portfolios. I’m excited for what we will accomplish together,” said Mr. Abate.
The acquisition of Centre will provide Horizon with its first New York location, providing a physical space in a market where the Horizon team is very active.
