Will Accelerate Abacus Wealth Advisors Platform, Unlock New Distribution Channels, and Support Joint Product Development
Will Gain Strategic Partnership with Manning & Napier’s Wealth and Investment Management Platform Totaling
$18 Billion in AUM
Investment Supported by Fee-Related Earnings
Abacus Global Management, Inc. (“Abacus” or the “Company”) (NYSE: ABX), a leader in the alternative asset management industry, today announced that it has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire an approximately $53 million minority equity stake in Manning & Napier, Inc. (“Manning & Napier”), a diversified wealth and asset management firm with approximately $18 billion in total assets under management (the “equity investment”).
In connection with the equity investment, the parties have agreed to enter into a Strategic Alliance Agreement (the “SAA”) designed to create mutual growth across three core dimensions: product distribution, lead generation and referrals, and joint product development. The SAA is the primary value driver of the proposed transaction, which is expected to create a framework for strategic collaboration between the two platforms while preserving Manning & Napier’s independent operations.
Jay Jackson, Chief Executive Officer of Abacus, commented, “This investment represents a defining moment in Abacus’s evolution from a life solutions originator to a fully integrated, longevity-focused alternative asset management platform. Manning & Napier brings a proven wealth advisory platform with approximately 3,400 clients, $18 billion in total AUM, with more than 55 years of trusted investment management. Combined with our proprietary LifeARC data and actuarial capabilities, this partnership completes the Abacus flywheel—connecting our Life Solutions origination engine, our growing Asset Group, and now a dedicated wealth management channel. As part of this investment, we are building a longevity-focused wealth ecosystem that we believe will generate significant value for our customers and shareholders.”
Paul Battaglia, President and CFO of Manning & Napier, commented, “We are excited to welcome Abacus as a minority equity partner of Manning & Napier. Abacus’ strategic capital investment positions us to deliver meaningful benefits for our clients, advisor partners, and employees. This partnership further validates our strategic vision for Manning & Napier, with a continued focus on providing superior investment solutions and exceptional planning tools and technology to deliver on our commitments to clients.”
Transaction Highlights
Strategic Alliance Agreement. Pursuant to the terms of the definitive agreement, in connection with the closing of the equity investment, the parties will enter into the SAA encompassing three pillars:
Product Distribution Partnership: Pursuant to the terms of the SAA, Manning & Napier will have the ability to offer Abacus Asset Group investment products—including ETFs, longevity funds, and asset-based finance strategies—to their clients and partners.
Lead Generation & Referral Engine: Abacus Life Solutions generates approximately 10,000 customer leads per month through its origination platform. Pursuant to the terms of the SAA, leads generated from individuals receiving settlement proceeds or those not suitable for Abacus’s core products may be referred to Manning & Napier’s wealth advisory platform. Conversely, Manning & Napier’s client base offers a natural referral pool for the Abacus Life Solutions product suite.
Joint Product Development: Pursuant to the terms of the SAA, the parties will agree to collaborate on the development of lifespan-based financial planning products tailored to Manning & Napier’s client demographics, leveraging Abacus’s proprietary longevity data and actuarial capabilities (“LifeARC”) with Manning & Napier’s wealth planning expertise and infrastructure.
The equity investment is expected to close in Q2 2026 subject to customary closing conditions, including regulatory approvals.
Dynasty Financial Partners has acted as an exclusive financial advisor, and Latham & Watkins LLP has acted as legal advisor to Abacus.
Berkshire Global Advisors acted as the exclusive financial advisor, and Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP acted as legal advisor to Manning & Napier.
