Second funds management firm sold today
Hot on the heals of Devon buying Castle Point Funds Management, Forsyth Barr has sold its Octagon Asset Management and Summer KiwiSaver scheme.
Friday, June 19th 2026, 2:15PM
SPH Wealth Holdings, the parent of Salt Funds Management, Pathfinder Asset Managemen, and Helm Wealth Advisory is expanding its presence in the funds management and KiwiSaver market with the acquisition of Octagon Asset Management and the Summer KiwiSaver Scheme from Forsyth Barr.
The transaction, which is subject to regulatory approval, is expected to complete by July 31.
Under the deal, Salt Investment Funds, part of the SPH Wealth group, will replace Forsyth Barr Investment Management as manager and issuer of the Octagon Investment Funds and Summer KiwiSaver Scheme. Octagon Asset Management will continue as investment manager.
Forsyth Barr will retain a role through an ongoing distribution arrangement, continuing to advise clients on both Summer KiwiSaver and Octagon funds.
The acquisition adds another KiwiSaver provider to SPH Wealth’s stable, alongside ethical investment specialist Pathfinder.
SPH Wealth chairman and chief executive Shane Edmond said Summer and Pathfinder would remain separate schemes with distinct investment approaches.
“Summer and Pathfinder will continue as separate KiwiSaver schemes, offering distinct products and investment strategies,” he said.
The deal takes total funds under management across the SPH Wealth group to more than $6 billion.
Edmond said the acquisition was another step in the company’s growth strategy.
“This deal is another significant milestone in our company’s growth strategy, as we look to provide more New Zealanders with high-quality investment solutions that can make a positive, long-term difference to their financial goals and wellbeing.”
He said the transaction reflected the benefits of collaboration between New Zealand-owned financial services businesses.
“I’m delighted to welcome Octagon and Summer to the firm, and we look forward to a successful distribution partnership with Forsyth Barr over the coming years.”
Forsyth Barr managing director Neil Paviour-Smith said the sale aligned with the firm’s focus on wealth management and capital markets.
“In SPH Wealth, we see a New Zealand-owned firm which is innovative, well-resourced, and well-intentioned with proven expertise in asset management and KiwiSaver markets.”
He said Forsyth Barr was confident SPH Wealth would continue to deliver strong outcomes for investors in both the Octagon funds and Summer KiwiSaver Scheme.
The acquisition is the third completed or announced transaction by SPH Wealth since the Rātā Foundation became a major shareholder in 2025. It follows the purchases of Salt Funds Management and Christchurch-based CP Wealth.
SPH Wealth was rebranded earlier this year and now comprises Salt Funds Management, Pathfinder Asset Management and Helm Wealth Advisory. Major shareholders include the Rātā Foundation and the Christchurch-based Gough family office.
| « CastlePoint Funds sold (again) |
Special Offers
Comments from our readers
No comments yet
Sign In to add your comment
|
|
Printable version |
|
Email to a friend |
