Schroders takeover by US investor ends 200-year family control

Published: 12 February 2026. The English Chronicle Desk. The English Chronicle Online.

Schroders has confirmed a £9.9bn takeover by a US investor, marking the end of family ownership. The acquisition by Chicago-based Nuveen will create one of the largest fund managers globally, controlling approximately $2.5tn (£1.8tn) in assets. Schroders, a historic British asset management group, will continue operating from London with around 3,100 staff and retain its well-established branding under the new ownership. The focus keyword “Schroders takeover” appears prominently within these opening lines.

Founded in 1804 by Johann Schröder, the company originally operated as a merchant bank before listing on the London Stock Exchange in 1959. Over its two-century history, the Schroder family maintained a strong influence over the group. Leonie Schroder, the current heiress, oversees a net worth estimated at £3.93bn and holds a Hampshire estate spanning 485 hectares. Despite this legacy, the company has faced increasing pressure from cost challenges and competition, making a strategic sale more feasible.

Recent market conditions and a need to streamline operations encouraged Schroders to explore partnerships. Last year, the firm announced a £150m cost-cutting plan to strengthen profitability amid rising competition from US rivals such as BlackRock and Vanguard. Richard Oldfield, Schroders’ CEO, previously dismissed rumours of a potential sale, despite the Schroder family holding a 44% stake valued at £4.4bn in the takeover deal.

The Nuveen acquisition promises to enhance Schroders’ global reach, allowing the firm to expand its investment platforms across multiple markets. Oldfield emphasized that the partnership aligns with Schroders’ values and culture while creating new opportunities for clients and employees alike. He stated that the deal would accelerate growth plans and establish a leading public-to-private platform internationally.

Under Oldfield’s leadership since November 2024, Schroders has made decisive changes, including ending a joint venture with Lloyds Banking Group for mass-market financial advice and exiting operations in Brazil and Indonesia. These measures were aimed at consolidating core operations and improving overall efficiency ahead of the takeover.

The transaction values Schroders shares at 612p each, reflecting a one-third premium over Wednesday’s closing price. Shareholders will receive 590p in cash plus a 22p dividend. Following the announcement, Schroders’ shares surged by 30% to 592p on Thursday, demonstrating strong investor confidence in the deal’s strategic value. Completion of the acquisition is expected in the fourth quarter of 2026, pending shareholder approval and regulatory review.

Analysts suggest that the Schroders takeover illustrates a broader trend of consolidation in the asset management sector, driven by competitive pressures and the need for scale. With Nuveen’s backing, Schroders may leverage international markets more effectively and compete with other global investment managers.

Industry observers note that the Schroder family’s decision to sell highlights the challenges facing historic British financial institutions, where long-standing family influence may be weighed against operational realities. While Schroders will retain its London headquarters, the takeover underscores the increasing role of US investors in European asset management.

Financial commentators have emphasized that Schroders’ premium pricing demonstrates Nuveen’s commitment to acquiring high-quality assets and preserving established brands. This strategic approach may provide long-term benefits for clients, employees, and shareholders while maintaining Schroders’ identity within a larger, global platform.

The Schroders takeover also raises questions about the future governance of historic UK firms and the implications of international ownership on domestic financial culture. Experts predict that similar acquisitions may accelerate in the coming years as family-owned companies balance tradition with modern competitive pressures.

For the Schroder family, the sale represents both a significant financial milestone and a historic transition, closing a chapter that began in the early 19th century. Despite relinquishing operational control, the family’s influence and legacy in the UK financial sector remain noteworthy.

The deal’s completion could reshape Schroders’ market positioning, offering clients expanded investment solutions while maintaining trusted service standards. As the financial landscape evolves, the Schroders takeover may become a reference point for future mergers and acquisitions in the industry.

Schroders’ story, spanning over 220 years, now enters a new phase where international partnerships will define growth, competitiveness, and strategic expansion across global markets.

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