Schroders, Apollo agree products partnership to target wealthy clients

LONDON, Feb 9 (Reuters) - British money manager Schroders SDR.L and U.S. private equity firm Apollo APO.N said on Monday they had formed a partnership to develop wealth and retirement products, the latest tie-up between asset managers seeking to grow in private markets.

The companies said they would work together to launch new investment products blending public and private fixed income across Schroders, its private markets arm Schroders Capital, and Apollo. The first product is expected later this year, while they also expect to launch a Collective Investment Trust in the U.S. in the second quarter.

Schroders said it would also be able to allocate to Apollo funds from its existing client portfolios.

Schroders' shares were up 1% in early trading. Apollo is due to report full-year earnings later on Monday.

EXPANSION INTO PRIVATE MARKETS

Asset managers globally have been vying to expand into private markets, particularly credit and infrastructure, where they can typically charge clients higher fees in response to competition squeezing margins in stocks and bonds.

Schroders has made private market growth a priority under CEO Richard Oldfield, who has set Schroders Capital a target of adding 20 billion pounds ($27 billion) of net new business over three years to the end of 2027.

Reuters reported last month that Schroders was exploring potential tie-ups in private markets. Bloomberg had previously reported talks between Schroders and Apollo.

Other British rivals have also opted for partnerships, such as Britain's Legal & General LGEN.L, which entered a private credit tie-up with Blackstone BX.N last year.

($1 = 0.7356 pounds)