Nuveen deal highlights overseas appetite for UK firms and signals a new era of scale-driven growth
London, 13 February 2026 — Schroders has agreed to be acquired by US-based Nuveen in a major deal that will create one of the world’s largest active asset managers, overseeing nearly $2.5 trillion in assets worldwide.
Under the terms of the offer, Schroders shareholders will receive 590p per share in cash, along with permitted dividends of up to 22p per share. The cash element represents a premium of around 29 percent to the company’s closing share price on Wednesday, valuing the business at a level that immediately lifted investor interest.
A deal built on scale and shared strategy
In simple terms, the takeover brings together two large investment groups to create a much bigger and more competitive player. By combining their strengths, the new group aims to offer a wider range of investment solutions to both institutional clients and private investors across multiple regions.
Schroders’ chief executive, Richard Oldfield, said the partnership is based on shared values and a strong cultural fit. He explained that the transaction will speed up the firm’s plans to build a leading public-to-private investment platform, expand its global reach, and strengthen its balance sheet. The combined business, he said, will be better positioned to meet changing client needs in a fast-evolving investment landscape.
Strong results underpin the takeover
The takeover news arrived alongside Schroders’ annual results, which showed clear financial momentum. Assets under management rose 6 percent in the year to the end of December 2025, reaching a record £823.7 billion.
Statutory pre-tax profit increased by 21 percent to £673.8 million, while adjusted operating profit climbed 25 percent to £756.6 million. The firm also reported £11.2 billion of net new business, marking a return to organic growth after net outflows the previous year. Improved demand from intermediary and institutional clients played a key role in this turnaround.
Following the announcement, Schroders shares jumped sharply, rising more than 28 percent in morning trading to around 586.5p, close to the offer price.
Shareholder reaction and market views
Market analysts noted that while the bid premium is meaningful, some investors may feel it is not especially generous by recent standards. Dan Coatsworth of AJ Bell pointed out that the overall premium, including dividends, is below the year-to-date average for takeover bids.
However, the Schroders family, which owns roughly 45 percent of the company, has indicated support for the offer. Given their significant voting power, their backing makes the deal highly likely to proceed.
Impact on the UK market
The acquisition has sparked wider debate about the future of UK-listed companies. Susannah Streeter of Wealth Club said the deal shows how overseas investors are spotting value in British firms. While the decision to keep the merged group headquartered in London supports the city’s reputation as a global finance hub, she warned that another major company leaving the stock market would be a blow to the London Stock Exchange.
With fewer large companies remaining publicly listed, investors may increasingly look toward private markets for opportunities, a trend already gaining momentum.
AI disruption adds to market volatility
The takeover comes during a turbulent week for the UK asset management sector. Shares in several London-listed wealth managers fell earlier in the week after Altruist unveiled a new AI-powered tax planning tool called Hazel.
The tool uses artificial intelligence to analyse financial documents and create personalised tax strategies for clients. While the technology highlights innovation in the sector, it has also raised concerns about competitive pressure and disruption, adding to recent market volatility.
Looking ahead
Together, Schroders and Nuveen aim to build a global investment powerhouse with deeper resources, broader capabilities, and stronger international reach. For the UK market, the deal underlines both the attractiveness of domestic assets and the challenges facing public listings in an era of consolidation and rapid technological change.
