Mariner Holdings has acquired a controlling interest in Palmer Square Capital Management, an alternative investment management firm based in Kansas City that specialises in funds investing in hedge funds and private equity funds.

Mariner chief executive Marty Bicknell (pictured) says: “We are delighted to make this significant investment in Palmer Square and its principals. We continue to see very strong investor demand for alternative investment products across our client base. Through the Palmer Square team, we have further strengthened our expertise in alternatives and have broadened our asset management product offering with a range of institutional quality fund of funds products.”
 
Palmer Square founder Chris Long adds: “We are very excited about our new partnership with Mariner. This is a great opportunity for us to partner with a best of breed asset management firm devoted to bringing clients the performance, innovation, and service level necessary to succeed and thrive in today’s environment. The partnership also provides us with direct access to a significant distribution network for our fund products in a fast growing regional and national marketplace.”

The transaction will not result in any change to Palmer Square’s business strategy.  In conjunction with this transaction, Mariner Holdings will also acquire Long’s interest in Guilford Capital Management, a fast growing RIA focused on high net worth investors.  Terms of both transactions were not disclosed. 

Founded in 2006 by former A. G. Edwards investment professionals and management staff, Mariner is an independent investment company focused on wealth and asset management.