TORONTO, MONTREAL and HALIFAX, April 4, 2012 /CNW/ - Fiera Properties Limited and Roycom Inc. today announced that they are merging their businesses in order to create a new national real estate investment platform that will be focused on providing clients with pooled fund and segregated account management services.
"When Fiera Capital Corporation (TSX: FSZ) and Axia Investments jointly created Fiera Properties Limited, we determined that the best growth strategy for our new organization would be to team up with an industry leading partner with an existing platform and solid track record," said Stuart Lazier, CEO of Fiera Properties Limited. "By joining with Roycom, we have found the right partner that will help us launch our business and market new products. Our investors will recognize us as a trusted real estate investment management firm which serves the evolving needs of the investment community through intelligent innovation in all of our products and services."
"We see great prospects in joining with a distinguished partner within the Fiera Capital family," Rob Roy, President of Roycom Inc. added. "Over the past 15 years, Stuart and I have worked together on numerous transactions. We felt our businesses were complementary and will continuously generate value for our investors who have entrusted us with their capital to deliver on their promise to their stakeholders."
"The first priority," Mr Lazier added, "will be ensuring that our existing client's needs are being fully satisfied. Next, we plan to develop a new unique fund structure that will meet the ever changing needs of our investors, by utilizing the depth and experience of the Fiera organization."
After the merger, Mr. Lazier will be Chief Executive Officer and Mr. Roy will be President of the organization, leading a combined team of 12 professionals in Halifax and Toronto. "Our mission will be to engage and empower our team to deliver results for our investors, building trust for a better future", said Mr. Lazier.
"We are excited about working with this experienced and highly credible management team as we introduce real estate investment strategies to our clients," said Jean-Guy Desjardins, Chairman, CEO and CIO of Fiera Capital. "Fiera Properties now has the team, the platform and the track record that will enable us to take a leading position in real estate investment management business."
About Fiera Properties Limited
Fiera Properties Limited was created in 2011, through the joint venture of Fiera Capital Corporation and Axia Investments, with the goal of building a national real estate investment services platform offering institutional investors unique real estate investment opportunities.
About Roycom Inc.
Established in 1976, Roycom Inc. is a Halifax based full-service investment management firm, offering acquisition, asset management, property management, leasing and disposition services in all primary Canadian markets. With coast-to-coast assets under management of over $500 million, Roycom has a successful track record, diversified asset base and a solid reputation.
About Fiera Capital Corporation
Fiera Capital Corporation (TSX: FSZ) is a leading publicly traded, independent investment firm with approximately $54 billion in assets under management. The Firm is one of only a handful of full service, multi-product investment firms in Canada, offering clients a proven top tier track record in equity and fixed income management as well as depth and expertise in asset allocation and alternative investments. For more information, visit www.fieracapital.com.
Additional information relating to the Firm, including the Firm's annual information form, is on SEDAR at www.sedar.com.
Caution Regarding Forward-Looking Information
Fiera's public communications often include oral or written forward-looking statements. Statements of this type are included in this press release and may be included in other filings with Canadian securities regulators or in other communications. Forward-looking statements may include comments with respect to Fiera's objectives, strategies to achieve those objectives, expected financial results (including those in the area of risk management), and the outlook for Fiera's businesses and for the Canadian, United States and global economies. Such statements are typically identified by words or phrases such as "believe," "expect," "anticipate," "intent," "estimate," "plan," "may increase," "may fluctuate," and similar expressions of future or conditional verbs, such as "will," "should," "would" and "could."
By their very nature, forward-looking statements involve numerous assumptions, inherent risks and uncertainties, both general and specific, and the risk that predictions and other forward-looking statements will not prove to be accurate. Do not unduly rely on forward-looking statements, as a number of important factors, many of which are beyond Fiera's control, could cause actual results to differ materially from the estimates and intentions expressed in such forward-looking statements. These factors include, but are not limited to: the economic and financial conditions in Canada and globally; fluctuations in interest rates and currency values; liquidity; significant market volatility and interruptions; the failure of third parties to comply with their obligations to Fiera and its affiliates; the effect of changes in monetary policy; legislative and regulatory developments in Canada and elsewhere, including changes in tax laws; operational and reputational risks; the risk that Fiera's risk management models may not take into account all relevant factors; the accuracy and completeness of information received by Fiera; Fiera's ability to integrate the Natcan business and its other growth strategies; changes in accounting policies and methods Fiera uses to report its financial condition and the results of its operations, including uncertainties associated with critical accounting assumptions and estimates; the effect of applying future accounting changes; Fiera's ability to attract and retain key executives; technological developments; fraud by internal or external parties; consolidation in the Canadian investment management sector; competition, both from new entrants and established competitors; judicial and regulatory proceedings; acts of God, such as earthquakes and hurricanes; the possible impact of international conflicts and other developments, including terrorist acts and war on terrorism; the effects of disease or illness on local, national or international economies; disruptions to public infrastructure, including transportation, communication, power and water; and Fiera's anticipation of and success in managing the risks implied by the foregoing.
These and other factors may cause Fiera's actual performance to differ materially from that contemplated by forward-looking statements. For more information, see the discussion starting on page 1 of Fiera's annual information form dated December 15, 2011 for the financial year ended September 30, 2011 and the proxy management circular dated March 1, 2012.
Elif McDonald
NATIONAL Public Relations
(416) 848-1392
[email protected]
Share this article