BNP Paribas Investment Partners and Fortis Investments have completed the combination of their two operations.

The combined entity is now operating under a single brand name:  BNP Paribas Investment Partners.

The integration makes BNP Paribas Investment Partners the fifth-largest asset manager in Europe and the 11th largest in the world, with EUR530bn in assets under management and advice as at 31 December 2009.

BNP Paribas Investment Partners’ existing investment platform has been strengthened with new capabilities from Fortis Investments. It now has 60 investment centres, each responsible for the management of a specific asset class or type of product, and some 1,200 investment professionals.

BNP Paribas Investment Partners has also expanded its geographic presence, extending its presence in Europe, gaining strong positions in Belgium, Luxembourg and the Netherlands to complement existing footholds in the French and Italian markets.

Philippe Marchessaux (pictured), chief executive of BNP Paribas Investment Partners, says: “We are delighted that the closing of the transaction with Fortis Investments is now complete and this is an important moment for our company. Now that we have joined forces, BNP Paribas Investment Partners is able to provide its clients with one of the most comprehensive ranges of investment solutions and services in the market.”