WisdomTree Investments, Inc. (NASDAQ:WETF), an exchange-traded fund (“ETF”) and exchange-traded product (“ETP”) sponsor and asset manager, announced today that it has completed its previously announced acquisition of ETF Securities’ European exchange-traded commodity, currency and short and leveraged business (“ETFS”), which includes $17.6 billion of assets under management (“AUM”) as of April 10, 2018.
With the addition of ETFS, WisdomTree’s AUM has increased to approximately $63.4 billion globally as of April 10, 2018. The acquisition elevates WisdomTree to the 9th largest ETP sponsor globally and the largest global independent ETP provider based on AUM, with significant scale and presence in the U.S. and Europe, the two largest ETP markets.
Consideration for the acquired business was $253 million of cash and stock consideration equivalent to 30 million shares of WisdomTree common stock, representing total consideration of $523 million based on the market close on April 10, 2018. The cash portion of the purchase price was funded with $53 million of balance sheet cash and $200 million from a newly raised term loan.
Jonathan Steinberg, WisdomTree CEO and President, said, “The completion of the acquisition brings together two undeniable forces in the industry, strongly positioning WisdomTree as a differentiated and diversified ETP provider that can thrive globally. Our newly combined talent and broad array of ETP offerings further expand, enhance and complement WisdomTree’s capabilities to continue to help investors achieve their investment objectives and generate long-term shareholder value.” “The acquisition immediately adds scale, diversification and profitability to our business in Europe — the second largest ETF market in the world — and adds overall strength and resources to WisdomTree globally,” Steinberg added.