Clime Capital seeks M&A opportunity amid industry consolidation



Clime Capital has indicated it could take up new M&A opportunities as the firm opts to hold onto cash rather than pay an interim dividend.
In its results for the six months to 31 December, the firm reported a $236k statutory net profit after tax (NPAT) which it said was down 47% from $445k a year ago due to planned integration costs of strategic acquisitions.
Having acquired wealth manager MTIS and Ralton Asset Management and formed strategic alliances with Marcus Today and Torica Capital, it indicated it could pursue more opportunities later in the year.
Chief executive, Annick Donat, said: “A growing industry demand for managed accounts, the private wealth merger with MTIS, the full acquisition of Ralton and the strategic alliances with Torica and Marcus Today positions Clime Group to provide high quality, diversified investment solutions across market segments.
“Given recent disruption and consolidations in the financial service sector, the group foresees a range of highly attractive opportunities. To be an active participant in the industry consolidation, the Clime board has elected to reserve capital in the first half of FY23 and not pay a first half dividend.”
Funds under management and advice increased by 8% from $5.1 billion to $5.5 billion during the six months and fund management fee income was $4.5 million, down $0.7 million on the prior corresponding period. This was related to the timing of net outflows and inflows during the six months.
Performance fees were $1.4 million from the Clime Capital listed investment company and Clime All Cap Australian Equity fund.
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