Informa buys investment analytics outfit

Informa, the business information and events group, has acquired investment analytics provider Zephyr Associates from Kemmons Wilson.

Informa is paying $62m for the company, which specialises in integrated business intelligence and decision support solutions for investment and wealth management professionals.

Peter Rigby, Chief Executive of Informa, said: "The acquisition of Zephyr is perfectly aligned with Informa's strategy to focus on high quality, digital subscription revenues attracting strong renewal rates and attractive cash dynamics. It is a great fit with our existing business in this area and will enhance our leading market position, ensuring a healthy return on investment."

Serving more than 800 international customers across the investment management industry, Zephyr offers analytical tools that help investment professionals make informed decisions about investment products and portfolio construction.

Zephyr's high-end analytical platform and extensive customer base is highly complementary to the products and services offered by Informa Investment Solutions, Informa said, and the combined offering is expected to lead to good growth opportunities.

Informa expects the acquisition to generate an attractive return on invested capital from 2013 onwards.

CM