Bell announces distribution JV

Yasmine Raso

Senior Journalist

24 November 2021

Melbourne-based boutique global equity manager, Bell Asset Management, has announced a joint venture distribution partnership with US-based Spouting Rock Asset Management, LLC, a multi-boutique manager platform providing investment solutions and services.

 Managing over $3.5 billion in assets, the strategic partnership will generate a distribution platform for Bell Asset Management’s global equity strategies in America and enable the development of several collective investment trusts.

Led by Ned Bell, Chief Investment Officer, and Adrian Martuccio, co-Portfolio Manager, Bell Asset Management has been providing long-only, bottom-up global equity solutions to a diversified investor base for almost 20 years, including institutional, wholesale, retail and high-net-worth clients.

Bell Asset Management offers both global all-cap and SMID-cap strategies to investors and has a long history of managing assets for US pension funds. The firm has also cemented its commitment to integrating Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) directions in its investment process. This is achieved through stewardship and ESG-specific activities like screening, analysis, active engagement and proxy voting with companies in portfolios.

“Leveraging our existing network and expanding further into the U.S. market is the next step in the evolution of Bell Asset Management,” Bell said.

“Spouting Rock’s trusted relationships, forward-thinking investment approach and shared services model will be invaluable to our team as we bring our investment solutions to the Americas.”

Spouting Rock has also signalled its dedication to providing alternative, traditional and thematic investment solutions that enhance portfolios and protect wealth. The strategic partnership with Bell Asset Management is the latest addition to the firm’s manager platform of active investment solutions.

“We’re excited to welcome our Australian partners to the Spouting Rock family,” Andrew Smith, Chief Executive Officer of Spouting Rock Asset Management, said.

“For nearly two decades, Ned and Adrian have built several highly successful strategies across global equities. Bell Asset Management’s complementary strategies, ESG capabilities and unparalleled professionalism serve as a strong foundation for this partnership.”