Australia | Jul 03 2006
By Rudi Filapek-Vandyck
We had to use our own search engine to find the story wherein we mentioned that Aspect Huntley was likely to be taken over by managed funds researcher Morningstar, it was that long ago already (mid-May).
But finally both parties have now signed off on the deal resulting in Morningstar acquiring financial media and research company Aspect Huntley in a deal worth $30m.
According to the announcement, the deal makes Australia the largest of the US-based Morningstar’s 13 satellite offices – with a combined staff of 100. The group will now combine an equities database, a fund management database, research ability and financial media.
Aspect Huntley was formed in 2003 following a merger between Aspect Financial, which was founded by Andrew Bird in 1997 and Huntley’s Investment Information which was founded by Ian Huntley in 1973. Aspect currently employs about 65 people in offices in Australia and Thailand.
Morningstar was founded in 1984 and its Australian offices were opened in 1999.