Picture Credit: Deutsche Bank
Nippon Life India Asset Management Ltd on Thursday said its Board has cleared a strategic collaboration with Germany-headquartered DWS Group GmbH & Co. KGaA, one of Europe’s major asset managers.
Under the proposed partnership, DWS plans to acquire up to 40% minority stake in Nippon Life India AIF Management Ltd (NAIF), a wholly owned subsidiary of NAM India, through a fresh equity infusion.
The companies said the partnership is designed to accelerate the development of a strong Alternative Investment Fund (AIF) platform in India.
Focus on AIF Growth, Passive Products and Global Distribution
According to NAM India’s stock exchange filing, the collaboration will extend beyond AIFs to include joint work on passive investment products, knowledge sharing, and global distribution opportunities.
Both organisations have signed a non-binding Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) that lays out the initial contours of the partnership. The final agreement will hinge on due diligence, execution of definitive contracts and mandatory regulatory approvals.
A senior NAM India official said the move positions the company to scale its alternatives business with global expertise, noting that DWS brings “deep experience in managing diversified global portfolios.” DWS representatives, meanwhile, indicated that India offers “compelling long-term growth potential” in alternative assets and emerging investment themes.
Cross-Border Collaboration Between Two Major Asset Managers
NAM India, part of the Japan-based Nippon Life Insurance Group, is among the country’s largest asset management firms with a significant footprint across mutual funds and investment solutions.
DWS, headquartered in Frankfurt, oversees global assets across equities, fixed income and alternative investment strategies.
The partnership is expected to strengthen both firms’ presence in India’s growing investment landscape, particularly in the alternatives and passive investment space.
