Threadneedle Investments makes strategic investment in Gatehouse Bank

LONDON – 12 March, 2015 - Gatehouse Bank plc (“Gatehouse”), the London-based investment bank specialising in Shariah-compliant products and services, is pleased to announce the addition of Threadneedle Investments as a shareholder in Gatehouse. Threadneedle, a leading international asset manager based in London with assets under management of $148.2 billion, has acquired a shareholding of approximately two per cent in Gatehouse.

This is a significant transaction because a leading global asset manager has made a direct equity investment into a Shariah-compliant investment bank, recognising the growth potential for Gatehouse and the markets it serves. Gatehouse originates Shariah-compliant investment opportunities for sophisticated clients seeking diversification and attractive returns for their portfolios. The bank has a long history of bridging capital from the GCC region and Southeast Asia with investment in Western markets. The addition of Threadneedle to its shareholder base enhances Gatehouse’s ability to continue to deliver value-added opportunities for its clients.

Henry Thompson, Chief Executive Officer of Gatehouse stated “We see an increasingly attractive market in which to grow the range and volume of high-quality Islamically structured investment products. With the expertise that we have developed, we believe there is a considerable opportunity to develop this business for Gatehouse and its clients.”

Ted Truscott, Chairman of Threadneedle said “Gatehouse’s combination of Shariah-compliant investment expertise, its track record and the breadth of its relationships across the GCC region and Southeast Asia are unrivalled. We are excited to make this investment into Gatehouse and look forward to exploring areas of mutual interest.”

Fahed Boodai, Chairman of Gatehouse added “With its core businesses of investment and financing, Gatehouse has a well-developed and growing expertise in investments for clients and partners in the GCC region, Southeast Asia and Europe. We are pleased to have as a shareholder a major international asset manager. As we look for partners with whom we can grow our business, we hope that we will continue to attract interest and support of world-class institutions and investors such as Threadneedle.”