BlackFin Capital Partners and Arendt join forces to support the expansion of Arendt Investor Services
In a strategic move to accelerate the growth and international expansion of Arendt Investor Services (AIS), BlackFin Capital Partners (BlackFin) and Arendt have entered into a partnership that will see BlackFin become the majority shareholder of the company, subject to CSSF approval and other customary procedures, while Arendt retains a significant stake. This partnership marks a substantial milestone in AIS’ development strategy, reinforcing its position in the Luxembourg financial services market and enabling it to scale operations into new jurisdictions. The scope of the transaction also includes the third-party AIFM, AManco.
BlackFin’s sector expertise and deep operational insight will serve as key assets in advancing AIS’ long-term objectives, while maintaining its commitment to client service excellence and regulatory compliance. BlackFin is the leading private equity and venture capital investor in Europe dedicated exclusively to financial services. With over 100 investments in the industry across the continent, BlackFin brings a unique combination of strategic vision, entrepreneurial drive and operational expertise. BlackFin has been investing in Luxembourg for over 10 years with the support of Arendt, resulting in a long-standing relationship of trust and mutual appreciation for each party’s track record.
Having celebrated its 15th anniversary in 2024, AIS has grown significantly in recent years. The company now aims to extend its technological expertise and service offering to other European markets. With a vision to become the premier one-stop-shop partner for alternative asset managers, asset servicers and family offices, AIS offers a comprehensive suite of services ranging from fund administration services, corporate services and governance services to operational AML & compliance services and tax compliance services, as well as third-party AIFM and depositary services. With a team of 320 professionals, AIS supports clients in efficiently managing the operational side of their business, ensuring peace of mind in investor services. AIS is a Professional of the Financial Sector (PFS) supervised by the CSSF and ISO 22301 certified.
Quote from Eric May, Founding Partner of BlackFin:
“With its one-stop-shop strategy and its culture of excellence inherited from Arendt & Medernach, AIS offers a differentiated value proposition for any investor looking to operate in Europe. We have a long-standing relationship with Arendt and greatly appreciate their unmatched reputation and leading position in Luxembourg. We are thrilled to have the opportunity to support AIS in the next stage of its development, leveraging our deep expertise in the fund industry and our track record in scaling asset servicers on an international level. We look forward to working with Christian Heinen and his team to achieve our vision for the company.”
Quote from Christian Heinen, Arendt Investor Services CEO:
“Our journey has been shaped by exceptional people, trusted clients, and a relentless focus on service excellence, supported by the smart use of technology. With the strength of BlackFin as our new strategic partner and Arendt continuing as a valued partner, we are ready to take our growth and ambition to the next level – strengthening our position in Luxembourg and expanding our reach across Europe.”
By remaining an important shareholder, Arendt continues to ensure a long-term vision for the development of AIS, while maintaining strong synergies with the law firm and its consulting services.
Quote from Claude Niedner, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Arendt Investor Services, Co-Chair of Arendt:
“The long-term vision that has guided the development of Arendt Investor Services, together with Arendt & Medernach and Arendt Regulatory & Consulting, to date remains unchanged. The Partners of Arendt continue to hold a significant minority stake in the company and are involved in strategic decisions. Together with Arendt Investor Services, we remain fully committed to delivering seamless and high-quality service to all our clients, ensuring continuity, responsiveness, and the same standards of excellence that have defined our approach to date.”
Deloitte served as exclusive end-to-end M&A adviser and EHP as legal adviser to Arendt.
BlackFin was advised by Bain & Company as commercial adviser, PwC as financial, tax and technology adviser, and Clifford Chance and Gide as legal advisers.
About BlackFin
BlackFin is the leading private equity platform dedicated to financial services companies in Europe with over €4bn assets under management. Founded in 2009, BlackFin is an independent firm led by nine partners who have worked together as managers and entrepreneurs in the financial industry for decades. The team has around 50 professionals across offices in Paris, Frankfurt, Amsterdam, Brussels, London, and Luxembourg. The firm’s strategy focuses primarily on asset-light businesses, where BlackFin operates as an active and influential investor, supporting successful management teams to take their businesses to the next level. BlackFin is regulated by France’s Autorité des Marchés Financiers. For further information, please visit www.blackfin.com
About Arendt
Your legal, tax and business services firm in Luxembourg
Arendt combines the entire value chain of services dedicated to Asset Managers, Banks, Insurers, Public Institutions, Commercial Companies and Private Clients operating in Luxembourg.
– Legal & Tax
– Regulatory & Consulting
– Investor Services
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Julien Delpy
Director
Contacts
Christian Heinen
Chief Executive Officer, Partner AIS
Claude Niedner
Co-Chair, Partner