Japan's ORIX takes over asset manager Robeco

THE HAGUE, Netherlands (AP) ? Dutch bank Rabobank says Japan's ORIX Corporation is taking over its asset management arm Robeco Groep NV for ?1.9 billion ($2.54 billion).

The deal, which Rabobank expects to be finalized within six months pending regulatory approvals, gives ORIX 90.01 percent of Robeco.

Rabobank will retain the remaining stake in Robeco and receive part of the payment in ORIX stock

Rabobank says Tuesday it decided to sell because it expects the deal to improve Robeco's growth prospects worldwide.

Robeco controls ?189 billion ($252 billion) in assets for more than a million private investors and institutions. It has a staff of more than 1,600 in 14 countries.

ORIX CEO Yoshihiko Miyauchi says Robeco is "a well-diversified international organization with an excellent brand name and outstanding management."

Associated Press

Source: http://hosted2.ap.org/APDEFAULT/f70471f764144b2fab526d39972d37b3/Article_2013-02-19-Netherlands-Robeco-ORIX/id-d78d14fe50014605863840f2068c3eee

Earl Weaver