According to a statement, by end-2012 all of Arkos’ funds will be distributed under the GAM brand. However, the management of all investment strategies will remain unchanged, with the investment team fully retained and continuing to operate from its current base in Lugano, Switzerland.

The Swiss Financial Market Supervisory Authority has approved the transaction and there are no anticipated significant integration costs.

As at 30 June, Arkos had SFr729 million (about $744.3 million) in assets under management. Its range of absolute return funds - offshore and onshore - includes long/short equity strategies covering Europe and emerging markets, as well as a specialist offering focusing on financial securities and an active convertible bond strategy.

GAM had SFr44.8 billion (45.3 billion) in assets under management, as at end-2011.