Credit Suisse Group today announced that it has acquired over 80% of Asset Management Finance Corp. from National Bank Financial for US$384 million of newly issued stock.

Founded in 2003 and headquartered in New York, AMF provides asset management firms with capital while allowing them to maintain their ownership, independence and operational autonomy. It takes a passive, non-voting, limited term interest in a manager’s future revenues.

Since its formation, AMF has completed 12 transactions with both traditional and alternative managers. The firm’s capital has been used by asset managers seeking funding for initiatives such as owner liquidity, internal equity transfers, management buy-outs and other strategic objectives.

Norton Reamer, AMF’s president and CEO, and the AMF management team will remain in place, retain an equity position and continue to oversee the day-to-day business. National Bank Financial of Canada and Tokio Marine & Nichido Fire of Japan have elected to continue to participate with Credit Suisse in AMF’s future growth and be represented on its board.

Brian Finn, chairman of Credit Suisse’s Alternative Investments business, said, “This transaction is consistent with our strategy of adding leading investment businesses to our platform. AMF has a significant pipeline due to the demand for capital from a significant number of high-quality asset managers. In addition, AMF has significant opportunities for growth outside the U.S. We look forward to leveraging our single-center of excellence model to expand and grow AMF’s business.”

Reamer added, “Our partnership with Credit Suisse will strengthen our ability to identify and attract exceptional investment managers with strong growth potential. It is a win-win for all.”

The transaction has already received all necessary regulatory approvals and will close today.