Resolute Investment Managers Announces Acquisitions of Two Boutique Investment Managers

Business Wire

Firm Acquires Majority Interest in SSI Investment Management and Position in RSW Investments

IRVING, Texas--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Resolute Investment Managers, Inc. (“Resolute”), a diversified, multi-affiliate asset management platform with more than 40 affiliated and independent investment manager partnerships, today announced an agreement to acquire a majority interest in SSI Investment Management (“SSI”), an institutional asset manager specializing in risk-mitigation strategies for institutional and high net-worth investors. Additionally, Resolute announced that it has committed to acquire a minority position in RSW Investments, LLC (“RSW”), a registered investment advisor dedicated to managing municipal bond separate accounts.

“Both SSI and RSW have cultivated strong reputations within the industry of providing a superior level of client service and delivering outstanding results,” said Gene Needles, chairman and CEO of Resolute Investment Managers. “Each firm’s time-tested investment approach will continue without change; instead, we look forward to providing the support and resources needed to achieve their full potential.”

Resolute’s primary role will be to provide operational support and additional distribution resources to SSI and RSW, which will operate as autonomous subsidiaries. Clients will not see any changes in either firm’s daily operations or personnel.

SSI Investment Management

Founded in 1973 and headquartered in Beverly Hills, California, SSI pioneered using a combination of fundamental analysis and quantitative research to hedge away risk and achieve reliable results in both bull and bear markets. The firm adheres to four key principles: safety, consistency, good returns and preservation of capital. These principles, combined with its dedication to providing clients with premier service, have enabled SSI to build a reputation for delivering competitive, risk-adjusted returns.

“By focusing on consistency and minimizing risk, SSI has cultivated a rich history and an impressive track record over the last forty years,” said Jeff Ringdahl, president and chief operating officer at Resolute Investment Managers. “We believe that SSI has great capacity for growth, and we couldn’t be more excited to start working together.”

“This is one of the most momentous occasions in our firm’s history,” said John Gottfurcht, founder and president at SSI. “When we thought about the future of SSI, we knew having the backing of a firm like Resolute would be invaluable to both our clients and team.” George Douglas, chief investment officer at SSI, added: “We’re proud of what we’ve achieved thus far, and the entire investment team is very excited about our strategic alliance with Resolute.”

RSW Investments

Founded in 2005, Summit, New Jersey-based RSW Investments now manages more than $2.2 billion in discretionary assets. Having worked together for nearly 18 years, the senior portfolio managers – Robert Waas (founder, chief executive officer, chief investment officer) and Matthew Werner, CFA – employ a methodical and distinctive approach to maximizing after-tax risk-adjusted returns. RSW emphasizes proactive credit research, optimal portfolio positioning and a dynamic risk-management approach. Working primarily with individual investors who are served by professional advisors, the team remains dedicated to providing the highest level of service to their clients.

“We’re thrilled to be partnering with RSW, a firm that has established an impressive track record of achieving returns while protecting clients’ capital,” said Mr. Needles. “RSW will add diversification to our current offerings, which is especially timely as many investors are currently looking to municipal bond strategies as a way of safeguarding their portfolios against ongoing volatility.”

“When it came time to look for a partner that could help us get to the next level, it quickly became clear that Resolute was a perfect match,” said Mr. Waas. “We’re grateful that Gene and his team respect the groundwork our firm has laid and want to provide support while allowing us to continue doing what’s made us successful since our founding. We’re looking forward to working with them and are confident that together we’ll reach our next stage of growth and continue providing the same experience our clients expect from us.”

Resolute was advised by Colchester Partners LLC and Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP. SSI was advised by Berkshire Global Advisors and Shartsis Friese LLP. RSW Investments was advised by Park Sutton Advisors LLC and Day Pitney LLP.

About Resolute Investment Managers

Resolute Investment Managers, Inc. is a diversified, multi-affiliate asset management platform with affiliated and independent relationships with more than 40 investment managers. Driven by future value creation, Resolute offers a unique platform that delivers strategic benefits through a full suite of distribution, operational and administrative services that may be leveraged by our affiliates. With roots as an unaffiliated sub-advised mutual fund sponsor, the majority of Resolute’s partnerships are with asset managers who invest and operate with full autonomy and independence. As of September 30, 2018, the affiliated companies of Resolute Investment Managers had $71.2 billion in assets under management. For more information, visit www.resolutemanagers.com.

About SSI Investment Management

Founded in 1973, SSI Investment Management is a boutique, institutional asset management firm that seeks to add value by delivering competitive risk-adjusted returns for its clients, while focusing on safety, consistency and preservation of capital. SSI offers investment solutions using a mix of convertible and equity strategies that may appeal to investors seeking growth while limiting downside risk, especially during volatile and rapidly changing market conditions. The firm applies quantitative disciplines and fundamental research in its management of alternative and traditional portfolios for institutional and high net worth investors. As of September 30, 2018, SSI Investment Management had $1.9 billion in assets under management. For more information, visit www.ssi-invest.com.

About RSW Investments

RSW Investments, LLC is a registered investment advisor specializing in the professional and active management of separate account municipal bond portfolios. With assets under management exceeding $2 billion and an investment team that averages more than 30 years of experience, the firm employs unique strategies that are both methodical and disciplined. While generating solid long-term results compared to their peer groups, the firm seeks to strike a balance between earning a relatively high level of current income and principal preservation. Furthermore, it is RSW’s self-imposed mandate that their superior investment results be built upon a foundation of prudent risk management, unwavering integrity and superior client service. For more information, visit www.rswinvestments.com.

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