Aberdeen Standard expands footprint in Asia via Orion Partners acquisition

Aberdeen Standard Investments (ASI) has strengthened its real estate business in Asia-Pacific with the acquisition of Orion Partners, a $900m (€794.6m) investment manager.

The $56.3bn (€49.7bn) manager said the acquisition expands its global real estate capabilities and offerings with the addition of Orion Partners’ direct real estate team and established track record in Asia. 

The terms of the transaction were undisclosed.

Orion Partners manages direct real estate investments in Asia for international institutional investors seeking access to the region’s markets.

Hugh Young, the head of Asia Pacific at Aberdeen Standard Investments, said: “For investors seeking diversification, Asian real estate offers attractive risk-adjusted returns, with less correlation to broader market volatility.

“Having established a track record across equities, fixed income, private equity and real estate multi-manager investing in Asia Pacific over the years, this is a good opportunity for us to build out our regional real estate presence.

“At a time when global investors’ allocation to alternatives and real assets are growing, being able to offer a truly one-stop real estate solution is an integral part of our growth strategy.”

Kang Puay Ju, the head of real estate Asia Pacific and global head of real estate multi-manager at Aberdeen Standard Investments, said: “Our real estate multi-manager business has invested with Orion Partners in Asia Pacific for more than a decade; it is a team we have known well and admired for its client-focused and transparent approach, much in line with ASI’s own culture.

“The addition of the on-the-ground direct real estate teams in Japan, Korea, Hong Kong and Singapore will deepen our local insights and broaden our product suite across the region.”

David Paine, the global co-head of real estate at Aberdeen Standard Investments, said: “Today marks the next stage in developing our real estate business by expanding our footprint in Asia Pacific.

“The acquisition of Orion Partners reinforces our position as a leading real estate manager delivering world-class investment capability. With one of the largest and most sophisticated real estate investment offerings globally, a client-led mind-set and a passion for innovation, this further enhances our ability to meet investors’ evolving needs.”