Two of Britain’s largest excessive avenue banks are embroiled in a £2.5bn takeover battle for Evelyn Companions, the wealth administration group.
Sky Information has learnt that Barclays and NatWest Group have been among the many bidders notified final week that they have been by means of to the second spherical of the Evelyn public sale.
Royal Financial institution of Canada can also be stated to be within the body to purchase Evelyn, whereas a variety of personal fairness corporations have additionally tabled provides for the enterprise.
Lloyds Banking Group is known to have explored a proposal for Evelyn, though it was unclear on Tuesday whether or not it remained .
For Barclays and NatWest, an acquisition of Evelyn would bolster an space of their companies the place each have already got a robust presence – the latter by means of its Coutts division.
Paul Thwaite, NatWest’s chief government, has been clear that the financial institution will take into account acquisitions the place they’re sensibly priced and strategically enticing following its return this yr to full personal sector possession.
In response to outcomes printed in August, Evelyn had property below administration of £64.6bn on the finish of June, reflecting rising demand throughout the wealth administration sector.
Canaccord Genuity’s wealth arm can also be on the block and will fetch a value of over £1bn.
Evelyn is owned by the personal fairness corporations Permira and Warburg Pincus, having merged their respective corporations Tilney and Smith & Williamson in 2020.
Final yr, Evelyn’s skilled companies arm was offered to the buyout agency Apax Companions.
The present public sale is being dealt with by bankers at Evercore.
Barclays and NatWest declined to remark.
