A new venture called Goshawk Asset Management, led by Alex Illingworth and Harwood Capital Management, has made its first acquisition by buying Vermeer Investment Management. This firm was established in 2023 after Illingworth left Artemis, where he co-managed the Mid Wynd International Investment Trust and the Artemis Global Select Fund. Illingworth emphasized the focus on purchasing great companies while being careful about valuation. The team boasts an average of 30 years of investment experience. They are working on managing various global equity mandates, and the Vermeer Global Fund, which is already available on major retail platforms, will now be known as the Goshawk Global Fund.
Vermeer Investment Management Limited, founded in 2014, launched the £60.8 million Vermeer Global Fund two years later. The fund is managed by Tim Gregory, James Rowsell, and Charlie Fricker, who were the founders of Vermeer and have now joined Goshawk. Gregory mentioned that Alex Illingworth has a proven track record in growing assets under management and delivering strong investment performance. The partnership with Goshawk presents an opportunity to expand on past success, enhance the team, and reach a wider audience. It is important to note that the private client investment management business of Vermeer Investment Management Limited, known as Vermeer Partners, will remain independent and separate from this acquisition.
In addition to the acquisition, Goshawk has collaborated with HANetf, Europe’s first independent white-label UCITS ETF and ETC platform, to develop an Active ETF strategy under Illingworth’s leadership. The Global Balanced Fund UCITS ETF (ROE LN) aims to provide lower volatility and increased downside protection. Illingworth expressed enthusiasm about entering the growing Active ETF market, which combines active management with the convenience and cost-effectiveness of ETFs to offer Goshawk strategies to both fund and ETF investors.
The partnership between Goshawk and HANetf signifies a strategic move towards expanding investment opportunities and catering to a broader range of investors. This collaboration not only enhances Goshawk’s product offerings but also underlines their commitment to innovation and adapting to the evolving needs of the investment landscape. By embracing the Active ETF market, Goshawk is positioning itself at the forefront of industry trends and paving the way for future growth and success.
Overall, the acquisition of Vermeer Investment Management and the collaboration with HANetf mark significant milestones for Goshawk Asset Management. These strategic moves not only strengthen their position in the market but also reflect their dedication to delivering excellence in investment management and meeting the diverse needs of investors. As Goshawk continues to expand its capabilities and offerings, investors can look forward to innovative solutions and exceptional performance in the ever-changing world of finance.
