QLD family office acquires UK asset management firm

Queensland-based family office and fund manager, EC Pohl & Co, has wholly acquired Sanford DeLand Asset Management (SDL), a UK investment firm that counts a Warren Buffet-inspired fund among its suite of available products.

The deal, effective as of 1 November, will see SDL continue to operate as a “wholly owned” but “autonomous business” with co-managers Eric Burns, David Beggs and Chloe Smith to remain on board and manage its UK Buffetology Fund and Free Spirit Fund.

Manny Pohl, EC Pohl & Co’s Executive Chair and Chief Investment Officer, will take on the role of Chairman of SDL and EC Pohl & Co’s Chief Financial Officer, Scott Barrett, will also extend his existing duties to SDL.

Pohl said the acquisition brings together two firms with shared investment values and principles, given EC Pohl & Co’s interest in listed investment company (LIC) Global Masters Fund Limited and – in turn – 55 per cent of its portfolio invested in Warren Buffet’s Berkshire Hathaway, which aligns with SDL’s regard for the “Buffetology” collection of investment principles.

“This acquisition of a licensed firm in the UK strengthens EC Pohl & Co’s global presence,” he said.

“In addition, we saw a strong alignment in investment approach and cultural values in SDL and the current team supported by Eric, David and Chloe has a solid and proven track record of delivering exceptional returns for investors since inception.”

First founded in 2010 by Keith Ashworth-Lord, SDL’s primary focus was UK equities and now boasts over $700 million in assets under management (AUM). Ashworth-Lord will remain with the business until next year to support a smooth transition before he retires as planned.

“Having known Manny Pohl for some time I’m very confident EC Pohl & Co is the right long-term steward of Sanford DeLand,” he said.

“The most important aspect for me is alignment on investment philosophy and ensuring the SDL investment team maintains decision making autonomy while gaining the backing of a larger, supportive parent company.

“Investment continuity is key for us as we start the transition to ensure no disruption for investors in the Buffettology and Free Spirit Funds.”

“We are looking forward to working with the Sanford DeLand team and extend our sincere thanks to Keith and our warmest wishes as he prepares for retirement next year,” Pohl said.

EC Pohl & Co’s investment management subsidiary targeting insitutional investors, ECP Asset Management, will continue to operate independently of SDL.

“Besides being a true gentleman, Manny Pohl is one of the great quality investors of the Anglosphere,” Mary Buffett and David Clark, who coined the term and authored the book ‘Buffetology’, said.

“Manny has been a follower of Warren Buffett and a Berkshire Hathaway shareholder for a very long time. We are both absolutely thrilled he is now connected with the UK Buffettology Fund as a permanent member of our Buffettology family.”