Company News

NEW YORK, March 31, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — Kudu Investment Management, LLC, (Kudu) a provider of permanent capital solutions to asset and wealth managers globally, today announced the closing of a $300 million credit facility with Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Company (MassMutual), a leading U.S. mutual life insurance company, to finance Kudu’s growth initiatives.

New York-based Kudu, backed by capital partner White Mountains Insurance Group, Ltd. (NYSE: WTM), has deployed nearly $400 million since 2018, acquiring minority stakes in 13 asset and wealth managers globally. These firms had combined managed assets of more than $45 billion as of Dec. 31, 2020, spanning a range of asset classes and investment platforms, including alternative credit, hedge funds, impact investing, private equity, public equity, and real assets.

“Kudu’s thoughtful capital solutions are beneficial to asset and wealth managers and equally attractive to its investors,” said Phillip Titolo, head of direct private investments at MassMutual. “The management team’s strategy and execution skills are admirable, and we’re pleased to be part of Kudu’s next growth phase.”

“Kudu was active in 2020, completing five transactions, and we have a robust pipeline of opportunities globally to expand our portfolio of partner firms,” said Kudu CEO Rob Jakacki. “MassMutual is an experienced and successful investor in the asset management industry and it’s gratifying to have the firm as a financial backer.”

About MassMutual

MassMutual is a leading mutual life insurance company that is run for the benefit of its members and participating policyowners. Founded in 1851, the company has been continually guided by one consistent purpose: we help people secure their future and protect the ones they love. With a focus on delivering long-term value, MassMutual offers a wide range of protection, accumulation, wealth management and retirement products and services. For more information, visit www.massmutual.com.

About Kudu Investment Management

Kudu provides long-term capital solutions—including generational ownership transfers, management buyouts, acquisition and growth finance, as well as liquidity for legacy partners—to asset and wealth managers globally. Kudu was founded in 2015 and is backed by capital partner White Mountains Insurance Group, Ltd. (NYSE: WTM).

SOURCE Kudu Investment Management

Link to original release: click here

NEW YORK and AKRON, OHIO, July 7, 2020 – Sequoia Financial Group, LLC (Sequoia), a registered investment advisor with $4.7 billion in client assets, and Kudu Investment Management, LLC (Kudu), an independent provider of long-term capital solutions to asset and wealth managers worldwide, have announced that Kudu has made a strategic investment in Sequoia. Financial terms were not disclosed.

Sequoia provides financial planning, asset management, family wealth and retirement planning services. The firm is majority-owned by employees and continues to be led by Tom Haught, founder, president and CEO.

“In our pursuit of building an enduring firm, we are creating generational capital that will strengthen us now and offer durability and continuity for the future,” Haught said. “Kudu’s investment will help accelerate our U.S. expansion plans and support our mission, which is to be our clients’ most trusted advisor.”

“Tom and the Sequoia team have built a lasting and client-centric wealth management platform,” said Rob Jakacki, CEO of Kudu Investment Management. “We were attracted to the quality of leadership and focus on investor outcomes at Sequoia and are thrilled to be partnering with them.”

Established in 1991, Sequoia has 88 employees in six locations throughout Florida, Michigan, and Ohio. Sequoia was recognized by Schwab Advisor Services with the 2019 Best-in-Business IMPACT Award™ and named one of Barron’s Top 50 RIAs for 2019. Learn more here: https://www.sequoia-financial.com/awards.

Founded in 2015, Kudu now has 13 partner firms that collectively invest $57 billion on behalf of individual and institutional investors worldwide in traditional and alternative strategies, as of March 31, 2020. Kudu, with more than $500 million in capital commitments to date, is partnered with White Mountains Insurance Group, Ltd. (NYSE: WTM), a financial services holding company.

Colchester Partners, LLC served as financial advisor and Benesch, Friedlander, Coplan & Aronoff LLP served as legal advisor to Sequoia. Seward & Kissel LLP served as legal advisor to Kudu.

About Sequoia
Founded in 1991, Sequoia Financial Group, LLC takes a client-centered approach to providing comprehensive financial planning and wealth management services, including asset management, estate and retirement planning, fiduciary consulting and family wealth. Sequoia is committed to exceptional client service by building and maintaining strong relationships that emphasize long-term planning to help clients reach their financial and life goals. Learn more here: https://www.sequoia-financial.com/

About Kudu Investment Management
Kudu provides long-term capital solutions—including generational ownership transfers, management buyouts, acquisition and growth finance, as well as liquidity for legacy partners—to asset and wealth managers. Kudu was founded in 2015 and is backed by capital partner White Mountains Insurance Group, Ltd. (NYSE: WTM). For more information, please visit Kudu’s website.

Media Contacts

For Sequoia Financial Group:
Megan Howell
Dir: +1 216-774-1145
M: +1 440-258-3698
mhowell@sequoia-financial.com

For Kudu:
Sarah Lazarus
CL-Media Relations, LLC
M: +1 617-335-7823
sarah@cl-media.com

Rich Chimberg
CL-Media Relations, LLC
M: +1 617-312-4281
rich@cl-media.com

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