MSCI, a US-based mission-critical decision support tools and services provider, has agreed to acquire the remaining 66% stake in Burgiss Group in an all-cash deal worth $697m.
Based in New Jersey, Burgiss offers data, analytics, technology solutions and software applications, including leading research-quality performance data for investors in private assets.
The firm’s dataset includes more than 13,000 private asset funds worldwide, representing $15 trillion in cumulative investments across private equity, private real estate, private debt, infrastructure and natural resources in 195 countries.
Burgiss founder and CEO Jim Kocis said: “The combination with MSCI marks a significant landmark event in Burgiss’ journey.
”In this next phase, our combined capabilities are poised to create even more powerful solutions that can help better navigate and drive innovation across private assets.”
In January 2020, MSCI acquired a minority interest in the data, analytics and technology solutions provider for an investment of $190m.
According to MSCI, it has invested approximately $913m in total to take full ownership of Burgiss.
Through the acquisition of Burgiss, MSCI aims to extend its portfolio of multi-asset class technology solutions with the Burgiss Caissa Platform.
The platform is built particularly for institutional investors and offers an extensive view of the performance and risk drivers in both public and private investments in total portfolios.
Besides, the acquisition of Burgiss will give MSCI data and deep expertise in all private assets, allowing investors to examine fundamental information, measure and compare performance, understand exposures, manage risk and conduct robust analytics.
Furthermore, MSCI will make it possible for investors to compare performance and risk across both private and public asset classes, which will facilitate efficient asset allocations.
MSCI chairman and CEO Henry Fernandez said: “The acquisition of Burgiss marks a transformational milestone for MSCI and reinforces our commitment to driving innovation and transparency across the global private asset investment landscape.
”By combining Burgiss’ comprehensive private asset data and analytics with MSCI’s expertise in research, analytics, data and technology for investments across public asset classes, we are aiming to redefine total portfolio investing and build solutions that can help investors manage their complex portfolios and make better-informed decisions.”
Subject to regulatory approvals and customary conditions, the deal is anticipated to be completed in Q4 2023.