The partnership will see Credit Suisse's emerging markets industrial life cycle team join the firm at the end of June 2017.

Credit Suisse Asset Management has signed a cooperation agreement with River and Mercantile Group, an advisory and investment solutions business, to pursue opportunities in the equity asset management sector.

The agreement will see Al Bryant, Todd Leigh and their emerging markets industrial life cycle team, which is based in the US, join RMG’s asset management division at the end of June 2017, the firms said in a statement earlier in the week.

Around $360 million of assets, which the emerging markets ILC team manages, will be transferred to RMG initially under an investment advisory agreement. 

Also, two Luxembourg UCITS funds; Credit Suisse (Lux) Global Emerging Market ILC Equity Fund and the Credit Suisse (Lux) Global Small & Mid Cap Emerging Market ILC Equity Fund, will be renamed and transferred to River and Mercantile. This is subject to regulatory approval.

The firms said that the team will continue to build on their proven track record to provide RMG’s and Credit Suisse’s clients with an expanded range of emerging markets equity solutions.

“With River and Mercantile, Credit Suisse Asset Management has found a great partner for our investors. This transaction is an integral part of our focus and specialization strategy,” said Filippo Rima, head of equities at Credit Suisse Asset Management.

“We are excited about this new relationship with Credit Suisse Asset Management and the addition of Al and Todd to the investment team at RMG,” said Mike Faulkner, chief executive officer at River and Mercantile Group. “They add significant expertise in equity emerging markets that will allow us to broaden the global equity based solutions we are able to offer our clients.”