Citigroup Selling Asset Management Business

NEW YORK CITY-Citigroup signed a definitive agreement to sell substantially all of its asset management business in exchange for the broker-dealer business of Legg Mason Inc. The deal includes approximately $1.5 billion of Legg Mason’s common and convertible preferred shares and approximately $550 million in the form of a five-year loan facility provided by Citigroup Corporate and Investment Banking. The total value is approximately $3.7 billion with Citigroup expected to receive an after-tax gain of approximately $1.6 billion at closing.

“We have been assessing our options for the asset management business and have found, in Legg Mason, a partner with an excellent product set that both complements and enhances our existing product offering to our customers,” says Citigroup CEO Charles Prince.

The deal does not include Citigroup’s asset management business in Mexico, its retirement services business in Latin America or its interest in the CitiStreet joint venture. The pair entered into a three-year global agreement for Citigroup to continue offering its clients asset management’s products and inherit Legg Mason Wood Walker’s position as the primary domestic provider of its equity fund family. These will be offered through Citigroup’s Global Wealth Management businesses, Smith Barney and the Citigroup Private Bank, as well as Primerica and Citibank.

The transaction is expected to close during the fourth quarter subject to certain regulatory approvals and customary closing conditions. In connection with the transaction, Citigroup is seeking approval of asset management’s mutual fund boards and shareholders.