Acquisition Overview

On October 5, 2026, ASK Investment Managers (ASK IM) announced that it has entered into definitive agreements to acquire SageOne Investment Managers (SageOne), forming a combined asset‑management platform that will be backed by Blackstone, which will remain the majority shareholder.

Strategic Rationale and Scale

The transaction brings together ASK’s institutional scale, broad client reach, and global distribution footprint with SageOne’s research‑driven, high‑conviction equity investment approach. Post‑transaction, the platform will manage more than INR 850 billion in assets, combining ASK’s existing INR 770 billion AUM (as of March 31 2026) with SageOne’s nearly INR 90 billion of equity assets (as of August 31 2026) across Portfolio Management Services and Category III Alternative Investment Funds.

Leadership Continuity

SageOne founder and Chief Investment Officer Samit Vartak will reinvest in ASK and assume the role of Chief Investment Officer (Equities) for the combined business, continuing to lead the equity investment function. Vartak brings 25 years of investment experience and will oversee the continuation of SageOne’s disciplined research process.

Performance Track Record

SageOne’s flagship SageOne Core Portfolio (SCP) has delivered annualised returns of 25.3% from 1 April 2012 to 31 August 2026, compared with 13.8% for the BSE 500 Total Return Index (TRI) over the same period. Over the most recent three‑year window, SCP returned 19.4% annualised, outpacing the BSE 500 TRI’s 12.1%.

Statements from Key Executives

  • Sameer Koticha, Founder and Chairman of ASK Group, said the acquisition is a “strong strategic fit,” highlighting SageOne’s rigorous research and Samit’s expertise as enhancements to ASK’s equity capabilities.
  • Samit Vartak described the partnership as the “right next step,” noting that ASK provides scale and institutional support while preserving SageOne’s investment philosophy.
  • Ganesh Mani, Senior Managing Director at Blackstone, expressed confidence in the long‑term compounding value of Indian asset‑management businesses and affirmed that SageOne strengthens ASK’s equities franchise.

Transaction Mechanics

The deal is subject to customary regulatory and investor approvals and the completion of applicable regulatory processes. Rainmaker Group acted as the exclusive financial advisor to the transaction.

About ASK Group

ASK Group is a leading asset and wealth‑management provider focused on high‑net‑worth and ultra‑high‑net‑worth clients. Its diversified offerings span portfolio management, alternative investment funds, real‑estate private equity, hedge solutions, non‑banking financial services, private credit, and international investments. The group operates 20+ offices across India, Dubai, and Singapore, serving HNI, institutional, family‑office, pension‑fund, fund‑of‑funds, and sovereign‑wealth‑fund investors across Asia, the Middle East, Africa, and Europe. As of 31 March 2026, ASK manages over INR 770 billion in assets and is majority‑owned by Blackstone Inc, a global investment firm with $1.3 trillion AUM.

About SageOne Investment Managers

Founded in 2012, SageOne is a SEBI and IFSCA‑registered investment manager with offices in Pune, Mumbai, and Gift City. It focuses on equity investments through PMS and Category III AIF structures, targeting mid‑ and small‑cap segments in both domestic and GIFT‑City markets. As of 31 August 2026, SageOne manages nearly INR 90 billion of equity assets for HNI and UHNI investors.

Disclaimers

The press release is for informational purposes only and does not constitute an offer or solicitation to invest. Past performance is not indicative of future results, and investment strategies may not be suitable for all investors. Investments in alternative investment funds involve risks, including loss of capital.