MSCI acquires stake in PE data analytics firm

In a move to step up its coverage of private markets, MSCI Inc. announced that it’s buying a minority stake in the Burgiss Group, LLC, a data analytics firm that focuses on various private asset segments.

MSCI announced that it has entered a strategic alliance with Burgiss that includes spending US$190 million for a “significant minority interest” in the firm.

Burgiss provides data and performance tools on almost 10,000 private asset funds from around the world. Its coverage universe includes private equity, private real estate, private debt, infrastructure and natural resource funds.

“Private asset investing is on the precipice of a significant transformation. Investors are increasingly looking to private assets to achieve outsized, uncorrelated and differentiated returns,” Henry Fernandez, chairman and CEO of MSCI, said in a statement.

“Through this strategic relationship, MSCI and Burgiss will drive innovation, development and increased adoption of needed tools and solutions for investors in private assets around the world,” Fernandez added.

James Langton

James is a senior reporter for Advisor.ca and its sister publication, Investment Executive. He has been reporting on regulation, securities law, industry news and more since 1994.