Martin Currie brand shuttered as activity moves over to ClearBridge

Two Franklin Templeton specialist equity managers have merged their operations under one banner, with ClearBridge Investments taking on all portfolio management activity and personnel from the now-retired Martin Currie brand.

Effective from 1 October, the “integration” – which saw the 10 Martin Currie funds available in Australia renamed as ClearBridge funds – blends the investment expertise of the former Martin Currie team in Australian equities and emerging markets (EM) strategies with ClearBridge’s existing global equity and infrastructure product suite.

ClearBridge also confirmed that while there would be no change to the existing investment approach or portfolio management team as a result of the brand merger, it had handed off responsibility of the wholesale distribution of its funds in Australia to Franklin Templeton as well.

“Franklin Templeton’s completion of the Martin Currie integration is a crucial step in our commitment to the Australian market,” Felicity Walsh, Franklin Templeton’s Managing Director for Australia and New Zealand, said.

“Bringing together these highly complementary businesses under ClearBridge Investments strengthens our ability to deliver tailored solutions across all segments of the Australian market.

“In a rapidly evolving industry, the need for scale, stability and innovation is critical. This integration demonstrates our commitment to Australian investors and our mission to partner with them for long-term success.”

Scott Glasser, Chief Investment Officer at ClearBridge, said the combined investment offering under the one brand would reinforce to clients the uniqueness of its services and the decades of experience and expertise provided by its new investment team.

“We are excited to bring these strategies under the ClearBridge umbrella while remaining true to the investment philosophy that has driven their success,” he said.

“ClearBridge and Martin Currie are highly aligned in investment approach and culture, making this a natural evolution.”

The Martin Currie team will now have additional resources and research capabilities at its disposal via the merger with ClearBridge, as well as the ability to work closer together on their shared dedication to sustainable investing and environmental, social and governance (ESG) analysis.

“Our clients can be confident that our Australian equity strategies will continue to be managed with the same disciplined process, deep fundamental research and active management approach that have delivered strong outcomes over many years,” Reece Birtles, now Head of Australian Equities at ClearBridge Investments, said.

“Under the ClearBridge brand, we remain committed to offering a comprehensive suite of capabilities that help our clients achieve their long-term investment objectives.”