Sagard, a global alternative asset manager, and Baird, a privately held international financial services firm, have announced a new strategic partnership aimed at expanding their reach and capabilities within the U.S. wealth management market. This collaboration marks a key step in Sagard’s broader strategy to build a middle-market-focused asset management platform with global scale, while also enhancing Baird’s ability to offer unique investment solutions to its clients.
As part of the agreement, Baird has acquired a minority equity stake in Sagard, becoming its first institutional shareholder in the United States. This investment reflects Baird’s confidence in Sagard’s approach and opens the door for deeper collaboration between the two firms. Baird will play a central role in distributing Sagard’s differentiated investment strategies to its extensive private wealth network, which currently oversees $350 billion in client assets. The firms plan to work together on product development, advisor engagement, and broader ecosystem growth.
The partnership is designed to be multi-faceted, with both companies expecting to leverage their respective global networks and operational strengths to pursue additional strategic opportunities beyond wealth management. This includes the potential to co-develop new investment products and expand into adjacent markets where their combined expertise can create value.
Sagard will also work with Baird to launch investment strategies explicitly tailored for U.S. clients. These offerings will be supported by a dedicated wholesaling team and integrated into the CAIS platform, a leading marketplace for alternative investments. This approach ensures that financial advisors can access Sagard’s products efficiently and deliver them seamlessly to their clients.
KEY QUOTES:
“This partnership with Baird is a pivotal step in our strategy to enter the U.S. wealth channel with an organization whose network and values closely complement our own. It aligns with our goal of building a leading middle-market-focused investment firm, offering individual investors across the U.S. greater access to institutional-quality alternative investments as part of a broad partnership benefiting both firms.”
Paul Desmarais III, Chairman and CEO of Sagard
“Partnering with Sagard strengthens our ability to deliver distinctive investment opportunities to our clients, and gives us important exposure to the continued growth of alternative assets. Their consistency over time and innovative approach align well with our commitment to helping clients achieve their long-term financial goals.”
Steve Booth, Chairman and CEO of Baird
