A recent study on the effect of the fees that hedge funds charge, “Portfolio Efficiency With Performance Fees,” was conducted by Mark Kritzman, president and chief executive of Windham Capital Management, a Boston-based money management firm.
Mr. Kritzman’s study shows that hedge funds’ high fees make it unlikely that investors will improve their long-term performance by putting money into hedge funds. Focusing on the standard fee arrangement in the industry, known as “2 and 20″, which is to charge 2% of assets under management and 20% of profits above a predetermined benchmark, Mr Kritzman found that the combined impact of such fees is so high as to greatly reduce the attractiveness of hedge funds.
In an interview with the New York Times, Mr Kritzman said the fees’ effect on the portfolio was so sizable because of the “asymmetry penalty” resulting from the 20% cut of profits that the hedge funds earn. The funds do not share in investor losses, but they reap a large share of the profits.
The study was similarly disparaging about funds of hedge funds, saying he found it difficult to justify any allocation to funds of hedge funds, because they earn fees above and beyond those earned by the hedge funds in which they invest, typically 1% of funds under management and 10% of profits above a benchmark. The bottom line, Mr. Kritzman told the New York Times, is this: “Because of fees, the optimal allocation to a group of hedge funds is a lot lower than you might think it should be.”
2 Mar 2007
Disclosure Ruling Has Hedge Funds Retreating
Judge Allan Gropper of the U.S. Bankruptcy Court in New York this week ordered a group of hedge funds that were demanding the formation of a shareholders committee to disclose all of their holdings in the airline, when they were purchased and for how much.
Soon after the disclosure ruling the hedge fund shareholders withdrew their motion to have a say in the payment deals after the Northwest Airline Corp reorganization. Hedge funds are known for their fiercely guarded trading secrets and so far have succeeded in resisting regulation.
The shareholder group led by Owl Creek hedge fund has said it holds a total of 30% of Northwest's stock and about $164.7 million in claims. Northwest said shareholders will receive nothing and existing shares will be canceled upon the carrier’s exit from bankruptcy.
Gropper's ruling would enforce Bankruptcy Rule 2019, which says parties in a Chapter 11 case acting as a group must disclose certain information about their holdings. The decision requires the 13 investment funds on the official committee to make public information about trading patterns, holdings and pricing, which hedge funds have labored for decades to keep secret.
Soon after the disclosure ruling the hedge fund shareholders withdrew their motion to have a say in the payment deals after the Northwest Airline Corp reorganization. Hedge funds are known for their fiercely guarded trading secrets and so far have succeeded in resisting regulation.
The shareholder group led by Owl Creek hedge fund has said it holds a total of 30% of Northwest's stock and about $164.7 million in claims. Northwest said shareholders will receive nothing and existing shares will be canceled upon the carrier’s exit from bankruptcy.
Gropper's ruling would enforce Bankruptcy Rule 2019, which says parties in a Chapter 11 case acting as a group must disclose certain information about their holdings. The decision requires the 13 investment funds on the official committee to make public information about trading patterns, holdings and pricing, which hedge funds have labored for decades to keep secret.
Citigroup Exec Quits to Launch Hong Kong Hedge Fund
Ajay Kapur, a top Citigroup executive is leaving the firm to found his own hedge fund, according to reports.
Kapur is returning to Hong Kong, where he has residency rights, to set up a hedge fund called First Horse Capital with Niall MacLeod and two other members of Kapur's team that also left Citigroup. Kapur's new fund will invest in equities globally.
Kapur said the results of investment models that he and his team had devised were "pretty good." and that, "I just thought that one should eat one's own cooking,"Kapur said from London. The fund is based in Hong Kong in order to get information from China, India, Japan, "you need to be closer and on the ground." he said.
Asian hedge funds returned 16.1% last year, compared to the 11.5% gains of their counterparts in North America and 11.35% in Europe, according to indexes run by Eurekahedge, a company in Singapore that tracks the industry.
Kapur has followed a well-worn path from investment banking to hedge funds, other Wall Street advisers have also joined Asia-based hedge funds and buyout firms. In January, the chairman of J.P. Morgan Asia Pacific, Ralph Parks, joinedOaktree Capital Management, a Los Angeles hedge fund with more than $33 billion in assets.
First Horse Capital, named for the Indian cavalry regiment Kapur's father served in, will invest in stocks worldwide. Kapur declined to say how much money he's raised for First Horse Capital.
Kapur is returning to Hong Kong, where he has residency rights, to set up a hedge fund called First Horse Capital with Niall MacLeod and two other members of Kapur's team that also left Citigroup. Kapur's new fund will invest in equities globally.
Kapur said the results of investment models that he and his team had devised were "pretty good." and that, "I just thought that one should eat one's own cooking,"Kapur said from London. The fund is based in Hong Kong in order to get information from China, India, Japan, "you need to be closer and on the ground." he said.
Asian hedge funds returned 16.1% last year, compared to the 11.5% gains of their counterparts in North America and 11.35% in Europe, according to indexes run by Eurekahedge, a company in Singapore that tracks the industry.
Kapur has followed a well-worn path from investment banking to hedge funds, other Wall Street advisers have also joined Asia-based hedge funds and buyout firms. In January, the chairman of J.P. Morgan Asia Pacific, Ralph Parks, joinedOaktree Capital Management, a Los Angeles hedge fund with more than $33 billion in assets.
First Horse Capital, named for the Indian cavalry regiment Kapur's father served in, will invest in stocks worldwide. Kapur declined to say how much money he's raised for First Horse Capital.
1 Mar 2007
Hedge Fund Shareholders Withdraw from Northwest Deal
Hedge fund shareholders withdrew their motion to have a say in the payment deals after the Northwest Airline Corp reorganization, surprising U.S. Bankruptcy Judge Allan Gropper. The hedge fund committee claims that Jugde Gropper has not allowed an investigation into whether Northwest plans to merge with Delta.
The temporary committee of hedge fund investors tried to subpoena rival airlines that may have held merger talks with Northwest, in a effort to prove that it is worth more than it claims. Northwest said shareholders will receive nothing and existing shares will be canceled upon the carrier’s exit from bankruptcy.
The shareholder group led by the Owl Creek hedge fund has been fighting Northwest’s claims that there won’t be enough cash to pay the shareholders after the bankruptcy reorganization.
Northwest Airlines said it had a net loss of $349 million for January. Revenue was $892 million, the carrier said in a filing with U.S. Bankruptcy Court in New York.
Northwest Airlines said that it expected to be worth roughly $7 billion when it emerged from bankruptcy later this year and that it would pay unsecured creditors roughly three-quarters of what they were owed.
The temporary committee of hedge fund investors tried to subpoena rival airlines that may have held merger talks with Northwest, in a effort to prove that it is worth more than it claims. Northwest said shareholders will receive nothing and existing shares will be canceled upon the carrier’s exit from bankruptcy.
The shareholder group led by the Owl Creek hedge fund has been fighting Northwest’s claims that there won’t be enough cash to pay the shareholders after the bankruptcy reorganization.
Northwest Airlines said it had a net loss of $349 million for January. Revenue was $892 million, the carrier said in a filing with U.S. Bankruptcy Court in New York.
Northwest Airlines said that it expected to be worth roughly $7 billion when it emerged from bankruptcy later this year and that it would pay unsecured creditors roughly three-quarters of what they were owed.
Ritchie to Sell Flagship Hedge Fund
Ritchie Capital Management Ltd has been struggling for two years now with below-average returns and the word is out that the company plans to sell its flagship hedge fund to equal partners in the venture, Reservoir Capital Group and Coller Capital.
Ritchie Capital, which oversees about $2.8 billion including borrowed money, will liquidate its Multistrategy Global Fund and return cash to investors. The company told investors that the Ritchie Capital Management flagship multi-strategy hedge fund had about $730 million in assets in mid-2006.
Richie is negotiating to sell the flagship hedge fund's assets to Reservoir, the $3 billion hedge fund investor, and Coller, which manages about $3.5 billion, in a deal that could be worth more than $1 billion. According to the deal with Coller, the current chief executive, Thane Ritchie, may continue to manage the fund after the sale.
Chicago-based Ritchie, a diversified hedge fund group that faced an extended period of under performance and investor demands for capital returns, has been in exclusive talks with Reservoir and Coller for several months to buy the flagship fund, sources have said.
Ritchie Capital, which oversees about $2.8 billion including borrowed money, will liquidate its Multistrategy Global Fund and return cash to investors. The company told investors that the Ritchie Capital Management flagship multi-strategy hedge fund had about $730 million in assets in mid-2006.
Richie is negotiating to sell the flagship hedge fund's assets to Reservoir, the $3 billion hedge fund investor, and Coller, which manages about $3.5 billion, in a deal that could be worth more than $1 billion. According to the deal with Coller, the current chief executive, Thane Ritchie, may continue to manage the fund after the sale.
Chicago-based Ritchie, a diversified hedge fund group that faced an extended period of under performance and investor demands for capital returns, has been in exclusive talks with Reservoir and Coller for several months to buy the flagship fund, sources have said.
27 Feb 2007
Hedge Funds Looking For Direct Access to MTS
Following reports that hedge funds such as Citadel and Vega are trying to gain direct access to the pan-European bond exchange network MTS, the European Primary Dealers Association (EPDA) reported that it has not yet decided whether to allow third parties to access its platform, but the group has reportedly set up a committee to consider admitting hedge funds as members.
They do warn however, that third party participation in the electronic markets could undermine the current structure and introduce greater risks.
MTS is an abbreviation for Mercato dei Titoli di Stato, which translates to "Market for Government Bonds". The technology of the Italian based MTS platform is the Telematico system, a sophisticated electronic platform specifically designed for the trading of fixed income instruments. It replaces the expensive and often time-consuming process of trading over-the-counter.
According to a recent FT report, these moves are showing how powerful the hedge fund industry is becoming and also highlights the dispute over the current structure of the euro-zone government bond markets.
In a discussion paper circulated Tuesday, the EPDA said, "While issuers have influence over their primary dealerships, primary dealers may not be in a position to exercise control over third parties,.............They would be squeezed between the commercial pressure of their prime brokerage business and the inability to regulate the activity of third parties trading in the primary dealers' name. Lack of control could give rise to potential misbehavior by rogue traders."
They do warn however, that third party participation in the electronic markets could undermine the current structure and introduce greater risks.
MTS is an abbreviation for Mercato dei Titoli di Stato, which translates to "Market for Government Bonds". The technology of the Italian based MTS platform is the Telematico system, a sophisticated electronic platform specifically designed for the trading of fixed income instruments. It replaces the expensive and often time-consuming process of trading over-the-counter.
According to a recent FT report, these moves are showing how powerful the hedge fund industry is becoming and also highlights the dispute over the current structure of the euro-zone government bond markets.
In a discussion paper circulated Tuesday, the EPDA said, "While issuers have influence over their primary dealerships, primary dealers may not be in a position to exercise control over third parties,.............They would be squeezed between the commercial pressure of their prime brokerage business and the inability to regulate the activity of third parties trading in the primary dealers' name. Lack of control could give rise to potential misbehavior by rogue traders."
Hedge Fund Mega-Investor Expands To U.S.
In a effort to strengthen its presence in the United States, BNP Paribas Securities Services announced that it has expanded its hedge fund administration operations to include services within the United States. BNP Paribas has EUR 570 billion ($754.8 billion)in assets invested in over 4,480 hedge funds worldwide and EUR 3.43 trillion ($4.54 trillion) in assets under management.
Located in King of Prussia, Pennsylvania, the hedge fund administration team is headed by Andrew Dougherty, Chief Operating Officer for fund administration in the United States.
BNP Paribas has recently enhanced its global portfolio by expanding its hedge fund administration businesses in Spain, Italy and France. From its offices in 18 countries, BNP Paribas works closely with its clients to provide comprehensive middle and back-office solutions to hedge funds and fund of hedge funds firms worldwide, including Asia and emerging markets.
Frederic Perard, Head of Global Fund Services at BNP Paribas Securities Services commented: "Our fully-integrated client services and operations team, which specializes in master-feeder structures, partnership accounting and high-volume trading portfolios, delivers added-value services to our clients. Our service offering is well-positioned to serve middle-market managers across various locations who seek an independent administrator to handle their multiple prime brokerage relationships."
BNP Paribas Securities Services is a leading securities services provider to the world's financial institutions, with a local presence in all key European markets as well as in the US and Australasia. With 4,200 staff in 18 countries, BNP Paribas Securities Services has over 700 clients, including 8 of the world's top 10 investment managers, and a global custody network covering 90 markets.
Located in King of Prussia, Pennsylvania, the hedge fund administration team is headed by Andrew Dougherty, Chief Operating Officer for fund administration in the United States.
BNP Paribas has recently enhanced its global portfolio by expanding its hedge fund administration businesses in Spain, Italy and France. From its offices in 18 countries, BNP Paribas works closely with its clients to provide comprehensive middle and back-office solutions to hedge funds and fund of hedge funds firms worldwide, including Asia and emerging markets.
Frederic Perard, Head of Global Fund Services at BNP Paribas Securities Services commented: "Our fully-integrated client services and operations team, which specializes in master-feeder structures, partnership accounting and high-volume trading portfolios, delivers added-value services to our clients. Our service offering is well-positioned to serve middle-market managers across various locations who seek an independent administrator to handle their multiple prime brokerage relationships."
BNP Paribas Securities Services is a leading securities services provider to the world's financial institutions, with a local presence in all key European markets as well as in the US and Australasia. With 4,200 staff in 18 countries, BNP Paribas Securities Services has over 700 clients, including 8 of the world's top 10 investment managers, and a global custody network covering 90 markets.
DaimlerChrysler Wary Of Possible Hedge Fund Takeover
DaimlerChrysler announced this month it was considering all options for Chrysler, including a split, but without Chrysler, the Daimler group could be more of a takeover target for hedge funds.
According to CNN Money, the likelihood of an unsolicited approach, such as a hedge fund takeover, was still low but had gone up to 20% from 10%.
One person familiar with the situation said Chief Financial Officer Bodo Uebber had routinely played down suggestions that hedge funds could team up to buy DaimlerChrysler because he felt such a wolf pack would be unable to agree on strategy and goals.
"But should it come to pass that Chrysler is split off from Daimler, then Daimler would be an interesting target," the source said. A complete split-up of the cars, trucks and vans businesses would then be "a real danger."
DaimlerChrysler declined comment on prospects for being acquired if it divests Chrysler but has said in the past the best defense against takeovers was good financial performance. The company has a market capitalization of $79 billion.
According to CNN Money, the likelihood of an unsolicited approach, such as a hedge fund takeover, was still low but had gone up to 20% from 10%.
One person familiar with the situation said Chief Financial Officer Bodo Uebber had routinely played down suggestions that hedge funds could team up to buy DaimlerChrysler because he felt such a wolf pack would be unable to agree on strategy and goals.
"But should it come to pass that Chrysler is split off from Daimler, then Daimler would be an interesting target," the source said. A complete split-up of the cars, trucks and vans businesses would then be "a real danger."
DaimlerChrysler declined comment on prospects for being acquired if it divests Chrysler but has said in the past the best defense against takeovers was good financial performance. The company has a market capitalization of $79 billion.
26 Feb 2007
Hedge Funds World Conference in Dubai
The 8th annual Hedge Funds World Middle East Conference is being held at the Madinat Jumeirah in Dubai. Sponsored by Man investments, the event will play host to some of the biggest names in the alternative asset industry, reflecting growing regional demand for these products.
Some of the key topics include; New business in emerging markets, such as Asia, India and Latin America, the future of hedge funds and manager selection, fund selection and best practice portfolio construction.
The event provides specialist workshops, and there will be 50 leading speakers. The Hedge Funds World Middle East 2007 website boasts an 8 year track record, intensively researched to deliver in-depth insight into the hedge fund universe and the latest trends and investment styles.
To attend; http://www.terrapinn.com/2007/hfwme/
Some of the key topics include; New business in emerging markets, such as Asia, India and Latin America, the future of hedge funds and manager selection, fund selection and best practice portfolio construction.
The event provides specialist workshops, and there will be 50 leading speakers. The Hedge Funds World Middle East 2007 website boasts an 8 year track record, intensively researched to deliver in-depth insight into the hedge fund universe and the latest trends and investment styles.
To attend; http://www.terrapinn.com/2007/hfwme/
British Rail Pension Fund Plans to Invest One Billion In Hedge Funds
Railpen, one of the largest pension funds in Britain with £18 billion ($35.3 billion) in assets under management is planning to move at least £540 million ($1 billion) into hedge funds this year.
Chris Hitchen, Railpen chief executive, said they are planning on having £1.4 billion ($2.7 billion) invested in hedge funds by December, increasing their exposure from 5% to 8%.
“We have been divesting our equity portfolio to buy other asset classes, such as private equity, property, hedge funds and infrastructure,” Mr Hitchen said. “We went into infrastructure assets last year, but they’re somewhat overheated, so we’re trying to make sure we don’t put all our money in at the same time.”
According to the Times Online, a recent NAPF survey indicated that 11% of pension funds had invested in hedge funds by the end of 2006, up from 8% the previous year. There were also rises in the amount of money that pension funds invested in property, private equity and venture capital as part of a wider move out of equities in 2006.
He said that despite concerns about the stability of the hedge fund industry, the funds could provide returns that were more stable than equities.
Chris Hitchen, Railpen chief executive, said they are planning on having £1.4 billion ($2.7 billion) invested in hedge funds by December, increasing their exposure from 5% to 8%.
“We have been divesting our equity portfolio to buy other asset classes, such as private equity, property, hedge funds and infrastructure,” Mr Hitchen said. “We went into infrastructure assets last year, but they’re somewhat overheated, so we’re trying to make sure we don’t put all our money in at the same time.”
According to the Times Online, a recent NAPF survey indicated that 11% of pension funds had invested in hedge funds by the end of 2006, up from 8% the previous year. There were also rises in the amount of money that pension funds invested in property, private equity and venture capital as part of a wider move out of equities in 2006.
He said that despite concerns about the stability of the hedge fund industry, the funds could provide returns that were more stable than equities.
23 Feb 2007
Hedge Funds Charged With Fraud
A Washington hedge fund manager has been charged with defrauding Maryland investors of $9 million by soliciting money for his hedge funds, LaJon Corp, LaJon Capital Management, LaJon Capital Advisors and LaJon Capital Fund.
Attorney General Douglas F. Gansler froze the assets of Williams's hedge funds, saying that John H. Williams of Upper Marlboro violated eight civil statutes of state security laws.
Williams lured investors with free lunch seminars and hid losses with fake statements, the state attorney general's office said. Williams became involved in the scheme after meeting a Canadian hedge fund trader, Stephen Chesnowitz, in an Internet chat room, according to a court filing by Gansler's office.
According to The Washington Post, the two traders sent out mass mailings advertising a free "gourmet meal" and the opportunity to "earn excellent returns with a guarantee against market risk." More than 150 people, mainly from Montgomery and Prince George's counties, attended the seminars and gave Williams a total of $9 million. He transferred the money to Chesnowitz's hedge funds in Canada and the Cayman Islands.
Investors could log onto a Web site to check how the hedge funds were doing, and online statements showed that their investments were profitable. But that was not true. On April 28, 2006, alone, the hedge fund piled up $626,380 in losses, the filing said. Williams, "knowing the money was gone . . . continued to take fees" based on phantom returns, the court filing said. In total, Williams paid himself $586,000 for managing the investments.
Maryland officials said they are trying to figure out how much Williams lost in his trades and whether there is anything left to return to investors. Most of the money has been transferred out of the country to Chesnowitz's firms.
Attorney General Douglas F. Gansler froze the assets of Williams's hedge funds, saying that John H. Williams of Upper Marlboro violated eight civil statutes of state security laws.
Williams lured investors with free lunch seminars and hid losses with fake statements, the state attorney general's office said. Williams became involved in the scheme after meeting a Canadian hedge fund trader, Stephen Chesnowitz, in an Internet chat room, according to a court filing by Gansler's office.
According to The Washington Post, the two traders sent out mass mailings advertising a free "gourmet meal" and the opportunity to "earn excellent returns with a guarantee against market risk." More than 150 people, mainly from Montgomery and Prince George's counties, attended the seminars and gave Williams a total of $9 million. He transferred the money to Chesnowitz's hedge funds in Canada and the Cayman Islands.
Investors could log onto a Web site to check how the hedge funds were doing, and online statements showed that their investments were profitable. But that was not true. On April 28, 2006, alone, the hedge fund piled up $626,380 in losses, the filing said. Williams, "knowing the money was gone . . . continued to take fees" based on phantom returns, the court filing said. In total, Williams paid himself $586,000 for managing the investments.
Maryland officials said they are trying to figure out how much Williams lost in his trades and whether there is anything left to return to investors. Most of the money has been transferred out of the country to Chesnowitz's firms.
21 Feb 2007
Fund of Hedge Funds Launches Trust
Fund of hedge funds manager, Gottex Fund Management, announced that they intend to launch a publicly listed closed-ended investment company, Gottex Market Neutral Trust, which will be listed on London’s main market.
All proceeds from a placing and offer for subscription, net of working capital requirements, will be invested in a portfolio of underlying hedge funds, it added. No numbers were provided.
The company's initial investment rationale, methodology and portfolio management will be consistent with that of Gottex Market Neutral Fund, a conservative open ended fund of hedge funds that seeks consistent returns with a low correlation to the major stock and bond market, it has been managed by GFM since 1999.
JPMorgan Cazenove is the group’s financial adviser, book runner and sponsor.
All proceeds from a placing and offer for subscription, net of working capital requirements, will be invested in a portfolio of underlying hedge funds, it added. No numbers were provided.
The company's initial investment rationale, methodology and portfolio management will be consistent with that of Gottex Market Neutral Fund, a conservative open ended fund of hedge funds that seeks consistent returns with a low correlation to the major stock and bond market, it has been managed by GFM since 1999.
JPMorgan Cazenove is the group’s financial adviser, book runner and sponsor.
Activist Hedge Fund Wants Dutch Bank To Sell Assets
The Children's Investment Fund Management, a $3.8 billion hedge fund launched in 2003, announced in a letter to Dutch bank ABN AMRO that they believe the bank is undervalued and should sell some of its assets, merge with another bank, or even sell off the whole business.
TCI Fund Management takes its name from the money it donates to children's charities. The hedge fund, which said it owns more than 1% of ABN AMRO, asked shareholders to vote on its proposals at a shareholder meeting scheduled for April 26.
In 2005 TCI was part of a group of activist investors who criticized Deutsche Börse for its $2.5 billion bid for the London Stock Exchange, eventually causing Werner Seifert, the chief executive to resign. It turns out TCI, which owned 8% of Deutsche Börse, actively recruited some powerful partners, including Atticus Capital, Merrill Lynch, and Fidelity Investments, in order to facilitate the move.
In a letter first published by Reuters, the hedge fund said, "We believe that this strategy would not only create significant shareholder value but also would best serve all the stakeholders who otherwise would suffer over the long term from the structurally declining competitive position ofABN AMRO,......In 2006 they again committed to cut costs and they have so far failed to deliver," the hedge fund said.
TCI was founded by money manager Christopher Hohn, a 39-year-old graduate of Southampton University. It is said that Mr Hohn set up the hedge fund so that half of TCI's annual assets go to charity as a way of motivating himself.
TCI Fund Management takes its name from the money it donates to children's charities. The hedge fund, which said it owns more than 1% of ABN AMRO, asked shareholders to vote on its proposals at a shareholder meeting scheduled for April 26.
In 2005 TCI was part of a group of activist investors who criticized Deutsche Börse for its $2.5 billion bid for the London Stock Exchange, eventually causing Werner Seifert, the chief executive to resign. It turns out TCI, which owned 8% of Deutsche Börse, actively recruited some powerful partners, including Atticus Capital, Merrill Lynch, and Fidelity Investments, in order to facilitate the move.
In a letter first published by Reuters, the hedge fund said, "We believe that this strategy would not only create significant shareholder value but also would best serve all the stakeholders who otherwise would suffer over the long term from the structurally declining competitive position ofABN AMRO,......In 2006 they again committed to cut costs and they have so far failed to deliver," the hedge fund said.
TCI was founded by money manager Christopher Hohn, a 39-year-old graduate of Southampton University. It is said that Mr Hohn set up the hedge fund so that half of TCI's annual assets go to charity as a way of motivating himself.
20 Feb 2007
Senator Obama Targets Hedge Funds and Offshore Investors
Senator Barack Obama has backed legislation that would require hedge funds to require their offshore clients to establish anti-money laundering programs in the same way as other US financial institutions, under regulations to be issued by the Treasury Department.
It is not immediately clear whether the move will increase the transparency of US-owned assets in offshore accounts, but the legislation is being set up with the hopes of curbing tax evasion. The US has in the past years signed tax information exchange agreements with Aruba, the Bahamas, Bermuda, the British Virgin Islands, the Cayman Islands, Guernsey, Jersey and the Isle of Man.
Obama has joined senators Carl Levin and Norm Coleman in introducing legislation aimed at stopping offshore tax haven and tax shelter abuses. Says Obama: "This is a basic issue of fairness and integrity. We need to crack down on individuals and businesses that abuse our tax laws so that those who work hard and play by the rules aren't disadvantaged."
They believe the loss to the Treasury from offshore tax evasion could amount to $100 billion a year. They say abusive tax shelters add tens of billions of dollars more.
"This bill provides a powerful set of new tools to clamp down on offshore tax and tax shelter abuses. None of these offshore schemes would work without the secrecy that prevents US agencies from enforcing our laws. Our bill offers innovative ways to combat offshore secrecy." Levin says.
The bill would strengthen detection of offshore activities by requiring US financial institutions that open accounts for foreign entities controlled by US clients, open accounts or establish entities in offshore secrecy jurisdictions for US clients to report such actions to the IRS.
It is not immediately clear whether the move will increase the transparency of US-owned assets in offshore accounts, but the legislation is being set up with the hopes of curbing tax evasion. The US has in the past years signed tax information exchange agreements with Aruba, the Bahamas, Bermuda, the British Virgin Islands, the Cayman Islands, Guernsey, Jersey and the Isle of Man.
Obama has joined senators Carl Levin and Norm Coleman in introducing legislation aimed at stopping offshore tax haven and tax shelter abuses. Says Obama: "This is a basic issue of fairness and integrity. We need to crack down on individuals and businesses that abuse our tax laws so that those who work hard and play by the rules aren't disadvantaged."
They believe the loss to the Treasury from offshore tax evasion could amount to $100 billion a year. They say abusive tax shelters add tens of billions of dollars more.
"This bill provides a powerful set of new tools to clamp down on offshore tax and tax shelter abuses. None of these offshore schemes would work without the secrecy that prevents US agencies from enforcing our laws. Our bill offers innovative ways to combat offshore secrecy." Levin says.
The bill would strengthen detection of offshore activities by requiring US financial institutions that open accounts for foreign entities controlled by US clients, open accounts or establish entities in offshore secrecy jurisdictions for US clients to report such actions to the IRS.
19 Feb 2007
Major Hedge Fund Shareholder Proposes Restructuring of Trust
Hedge fund Carrousel Capital has submitted proposals for a restructuring or merger of the Gartmore European investment trust, of which Carrousel owns 28.03% and is its largest shareholder.
Bruno Sangle-Ferriere, founder of British-based Carrousel, said he would make an announcement to the Stock Exchange on Friday or early next week.
Carrousel Capital said in informal talks with Gartmore that the hedge fund aims to buy into undervalued closed-end funds, restructuring it into an umbrella fund which could offer a range of investment mandates and which could take over or merge with other funds.
Gartmore Chairman Rodney Dennis said on Thursday. "We have had a couple of meetings (with Carrousel), but we've been unable to get a clear idea of what's being proposed,"
Over the past five years Gartmore European's net asset value has risen 72%, compared with a 51% return from the FTSE World Europe excluding UK index. "Performance has been very good, it's on a very tight discount, the manager is highly regarded and shareholders are happy. It is a bit mysterious that there is even an issue around Gartmore European," Dennis said.
Gartmore Chairman John von Spreckelsen and director Bruno Merki retired in September. The trust said at the time that the changes were due to corporate governance pressures and not the result of shareholder pressure.
Bruno Sangle-Ferriere, founder of British-based Carrousel, said he would make an announcement to the Stock Exchange on Friday or early next week.
Carrousel Capital said in informal talks with Gartmore that the hedge fund aims to buy into undervalued closed-end funds, restructuring it into an umbrella fund which could offer a range of investment mandates and which could take over or merge with other funds.
Gartmore Chairman Rodney Dennis said on Thursday. "We have had a couple of meetings (with Carrousel), but we've been unable to get a clear idea of what's being proposed,"
Over the past five years Gartmore European's net asset value has risen 72%, compared with a 51% return from the FTSE World Europe excluding UK index. "Performance has been very good, it's on a very tight discount, the manager is highly regarded and shareholders are happy. It is a bit mysterious that there is even an issue around Gartmore European," Dennis said.
Gartmore Chairman John von Spreckelsen and director Bruno Merki retired in September. The trust said at the time that the changes were due to corporate governance pressures and not the result of shareholder pressure.
Hedge Fund Investcorp to Sell Off Investment Company
It was announced today in a press release by Eurazeo that global hedge fund manager Investcorp has finalized a deal to sell APCOA, the leading pan-European manager of parking services, for an enterprise value of €885 million (1.16+ billion dollars), to Eurazeo. The closing of the transaction, subject to the relevant competition authority approval, should take place during the second quarter of 2007.
APCOA has operations in 13 countries, primarily Germany, Great Britain and Scandinavia. In 2006 APCOA had sales of €489 million ($642.5 million), up 7% on 2005.
Thilo Sautter, head of the German private equity practice at Investcorp: “We are delighted with the sale of APCOA to Eurazeo, after having led the successful transformation of APCOA to the leading European car park operator. Eurazeo is an excellent shareholder for APCOA and will provide APCOA with the necessary resources to continue the international expansion and support the growth strategy initiated under Investcorp’s stewardship.”
Peter Fischer, CEO of APCOA, said: “Over the past three years we have, together with Investcorp, developed and implemented a successful strategy to become the leading European car park operator....Our portfolio is well suited for selective bolt-on acquisitions and our network will benefit from expansion into new markets.”
With more than €6 billion in diversified assets and a market capitalisation of €5.8 billion, Eurazeo is one of the leading listed European investment companies. Eurazeo is a majority or key shareholder in companies such as Europcar, Rexel, B&B Hôtels and ANF. Eurazeo also holds significant stakes in Danone, Véolia and Air Liquide.
Investcorp is a leading provider and manager of alternative investment products. It has offices in New York, London and Bahrain. Investcorp has five lines of business: private equity, hedge funds, real estate, venture capital and Gulf growth capital. Founded in 1982, Investcorp has grown to become one of the largest and most diverse alternative investment managers in terms of both product offerings and geography. It currently has over $10 billion in invested assets under management.
APCOA has operations in 13 countries, primarily Germany, Great Britain and Scandinavia. In 2006 APCOA had sales of €489 million ($642.5 million), up 7% on 2005.
Thilo Sautter, head of the German private equity practice at Investcorp: “We are delighted with the sale of APCOA to Eurazeo, after having led the successful transformation of APCOA to the leading European car park operator. Eurazeo is an excellent shareholder for APCOA and will provide APCOA with the necessary resources to continue the international expansion and support the growth strategy initiated under Investcorp’s stewardship.”
Peter Fischer, CEO of APCOA, said: “Over the past three years we have, together with Investcorp, developed and implemented a successful strategy to become the leading European car park operator....Our portfolio is well suited for selective bolt-on acquisitions and our network will benefit from expansion into new markets.”
With more than €6 billion in diversified assets and a market capitalisation of €5.8 billion, Eurazeo is one of the leading listed European investment companies. Eurazeo is a majority or key shareholder in companies such as Europcar, Rexel, B&B Hôtels and ANF. Eurazeo also holds significant stakes in Danone, Véolia and Air Liquide.
Investcorp is a leading provider and manager of alternative investment products. It has offices in New York, London and Bahrain. Investcorp has five lines of business: private equity, hedge funds, real estate, venture capital and Gulf growth capital. Founded in 1982, Investcorp has grown to become one of the largest and most diverse alternative investment managers in terms of both product offerings and geography. It currently has over $10 billion in invested assets under management.
16 Feb 2007
Heads of US Hedge Fund Study Group Warn Against Over Regulation
Ben Bernanke, chairman of the US federal reserve, has warned against over regulation of the hedge fund industry. Bernanke said that U.S. authorities must take care not to stifle financial innovation by over-regulating the derivatives and hedge fund industries.
"I would be very reluctant to get involved in heavy-handed, direct regulation of hedge funds," Bernanke told the Senate Banking Committee in response to a question during semi-annual testimony on monetary policy.
"One of their key characteristics is that they are very nimble," Bernanke said. "That is good for the economy, because they help create liquidity in markets, they help to spread risks around more broadly, and a regulatory regime that inhibited that flexibility and nimbleness would eliminate a lot of the economic benefits."
U.S Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson called for market discipline, rather than government regulation, to address risks of the rising global hedge fund business at the G7 meeting. "Market discipline, focusing on risk management of regulated counter parties, is the most effective way to address potential systemic risk concerns."
Paulson and Bernanke work together as heads of the President's Working Group on Financial Markets, working with the Securities and Exchange Commission and the Commodities Futures Trading Commission to study the hedge fund industry. "The group continues to assess developments in markets, disclosure and counterpart risk management," Paulson said.
Paulson also said he's convinced "hedge funds provide considerable benefits to financial markets and our economies," but they also can present potential challenges and risks.
"It is in the U.S. interest to promote a thriving, competitive global hedge fund industry that facilitates price discovery and promotes liquidity in financial markets, while maintaining investor protection and promoting financial stability," Paulson said.
"I would be very reluctant to get involved in heavy-handed, direct regulation of hedge funds," Bernanke told the Senate Banking Committee in response to a question during semi-annual testimony on monetary policy.
"One of their key characteristics is that they are very nimble," Bernanke said. "That is good for the economy, because they help create liquidity in markets, they help to spread risks around more broadly, and a regulatory regime that inhibited that flexibility and nimbleness would eliminate a lot of the economic benefits."
U.S Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson called for market discipline, rather than government regulation, to address risks of the rising global hedge fund business at the G7 meeting. "Market discipline, focusing on risk management of regulated counter parties, is the most effective way to address potential systemic risk concerns."
Paulson and Bernanke work together as heads of the President's Working Group on Financial Markets, working with the Securities and Exchange Commission and the Commodities Futures Trading Commission to study the hedge fund industry. "The group continues to assess developments in markets, disclosure and counterpart risk management," Paulson said.
Paulson also said he's convinced "hedge funds provide considerable benefits to financial markets and our economies," but they also can present potential challenges and risks.
"It is in the U.S. interest to promote a thriving, competitive global hedge fund industry that facilitates price discovery and promotes liquidity in financial markets, while maintaining investor protection and promoting financial stability," Paulson said.
Hedge Fund Survey Shows Established Names Have More Chance of Success
The Absolute Return New Funds Survey for 2006, published in the February issue of Absolute Return magazine, shows that new hedge fund launches in the U.S. slowed for the second year in a row. Last year, the 86 largest hedge fund launches raised $31 billion, down from $34 billion raised by 82 funds during 2005 and $40 billion by 81 funds in 2004.
Most of the launches were in the first six months of the year. But after the equity market meltdown last spring and summer hammered hedge funds, and Amaranth Advisors went bust last fall, raising money got harder for new funds.
Only 29 funds raising at least $50 million - the minimum required to be included in the survey - launched during the second half of the year. These funds raised a mere $6.2 billion, or 20% of the total.
For the year, six new funds raised more than $1 billion. The biggest launch of the year, Convexity Capital, set a new record in terms of assets for its $6.3 billion fund launch last February. Convexity was founded by Jack Meyer, the former Harvard University endowment money manager superstar.
The second largest launch in 2006 was Old Lane Management’s Old Lane fund launched in April with $3.7 billion. It finished the year with roughly the same amount. The giant multistrategy fund’s founders include Vikram Pandit, John Havens and Guru Ramakrishnan - a high-profile trio from Morgan Stanley.
A closer look at the alpha-pack points to two ongoing themes: Billion-dollar megalaunches are alive and well - but only for the right pedigree. Seven of the top ten launches were new funds by established players, more evidence that the big, established names will continue to get bigger.
The trend for larger megalaunches in the past few years is likely to continue if institutional investors - pensions and endowments more so than funds of funds - continue to wade into hedge funds.
Most of the launches were in the first six months of the year. But after the equity market meltdown last spring and summer hammered hedge funds, and Amaranth Advisors went bust last fall, raising money got harder for new funds.
Only 29 funds raising at least $50 million - the minimum required to be included in the survey - launched during the second half of the year. These funds raised a mere $6.2 billion, or 20% of the total.
For the year, six new funds raised more than $1 billion. The biggest launch of the year, Convexity Capital, set a new record in terms of assets for its $6.3 billion fund launch last February. Convexity was founded by Jack Meyer, the former Harvard University endowment money manager superstar.
The second largest launch in 2006 was Old Lane Management’s Old Lane fund launched in April with $3.7 billion. It finished the year with roughly the same amount. The giant multistrategy fund’s founders include Vikram Pandit, John Havens and Guru Ramakrishnan - a high-profile trio from Morgan Stanley.
A closer look at the alpha-pack points to two ongoing themes: Billion-dollar megalaunches are alive and well - but only for the right pedigree. Seven of the top ten launches were new funds by established players, more evidence that the big, established names will continue to get bigger.
The trend for larger megalaunches in the past few years is likely to continue if institutional investors - pensions and endowments more so than funds of funds - continue to wade into hedge funds.
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