Impax Asset Management Regulatory News (IPX)

2 Oct 2009 07:00



RNS AND PRESS RELEASE

Impax Asset Management Group plc announces 

pre-close trading statement

London, 2 October 2009 - Impax Asset Management Group plc1, ("Impax" or the "Company"), the AIM listed investment manager focused on the environmental sector, today announces a pre-close trading statement ahead of the publication of its preliminary results expected week commencing 7 December 20092.

Despite challenging conditions for the global economy in general, and investment managers in particular, the Company has performed well. From a level of £1,098 million on 1 October 2008, assets under discretionary and advisory management ("AUM") fell to £889 million by 31 March 2009 as equity markets retreated, but subsequently rose strongly to reach an estimated £1,250 million3 as of 30 September 2009 as markets recovered. During this period, the Company was particularly successful in retaining investors in its funds. The Board expects the Company's results to be broadly in line with market expectations.

The investment teams at Impax have been able to maintain their strong performance track record. In the listed equities division, the net asset value of Impax Environmental Markets plc increased by 11.5% between 1 October 2008 and 30 September 2009, while the MSCI World Index increased by only 9.6% over the same period. In the private equity division the performance of the principal fund Impax New Energy Investors LP, whose investments are typically in fully-funded, profitable companies, has exceeded expectations.

As equity markets have recovered, Impax has been able to attract new inflows into its listed equity funds, both those that it promotes directly and those promoted by third parties. In addition, the Company has made good progress in the development of its segregated accounts business. We announced earlier this week, that we, in partnership with BNP Paribas Investment Partners, have recently won a mandate from a European institutional investor, which when fully funded, will have assets of up to €150m4.  

Impax has also recently announced fund raising for a new investment trust, Impax Asian Environmental Markets Plc, to invest in listed environmental markets companies in the Asia Pacific region. Fund raising is being led by Collins Stewart, and the Company hopes to be able to report a successful IPO in due course.

On 3 September 2009 Impax announced that Vince O'Brien had joined the Company's board. Vince brings over 20 years of private equity experience, and is making a significant contribution towards the development of the private equity business, particularly preparation for the launch of Impax's second private equity fund.

Ian Simm, Chief Executive of Impax, commented: 

"After the collapse and subsequent recovery in investor confidence in the past 12 months, equity markets are now demonstrating signs of stability. Meanwhile, investor interest in environmental markets remains high, particularly as the international community debates future policy to combat global warming ahead of December's summit in Copenhagen. Against this backdrop, with a strong track record, a highly qualified and committed investment team and powerful distribution partners, Impax is well positioned for further growth."

1 The name change from Impax Group plc to Impax Asset Management Group plc was approved by shareholders and is awaiting approval from Companies House

2 Exact date to follow

3 Management estimate

4 Not included in the stated AUM

-Ends-

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Notes to editors 

Impax Asset Management is a leading specialist investment manager dedicated to the environmental sector. Founded in 1994, Impax now manages c. US $2 billion1 across a range of closed end funds, open ended funds and segregated accounts on behalf of institutional and private investors. 

Impax has a track record of delivering excellent returns across long only, private equity and hedge fund strategies. Key investment team members have been working together at Impax for over a decade and have spent the majority of their careers in the environmental sector.

Impax manages a range of specialist own brand and white label funds. Impax Environmental Markets plc (IEM) is the UK's largest environmental markets fund and in the FTSE 250 index.

In 2007, Impax and FTSE established a partnership to develop and manage the Environmental Markets Index Series. The indices in the series are derived from a database managed by Impax.

Impax is a signatory to the UN Principles of Responsible Investment (UNPRI) and a member of the Institutional Investors Group on Climate Change (IIGCC) and the Investor Network on Climate Risk (INCR). 

Impax has an award winning track record and is currently shortlisted for the Financial News Award for Excellence in Institutional Asset Management as Sustainable Investment Manager of the Year.

1 Assets under management as of 30th September 2009