Computershare is to acquire the Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA) portion of Morgan Stanley’s global share plan services business.
The business provides recordkeeping, administration and trade executive services for corporate shares and option-based compensation plans to a range of EMEA-based employers. It administers accounts for approximately 235,000 employee participants.
The acquisition is expected to complete in May 2013. It follows Computershare’s acquisition of HBOS’ employee equity solutions business in 2010.
Martyn Drake, managing director at Computershare’s plan managers business for the UK, Ireland and the Channel Islands (pictured), said: “We’re excited about the opportunity to enhance the service our new [employer] clients and their employees experience and look forward to welcoming them on board.”
Jay Foley, managing director at Morgan Stanley’s global share plan services business, added: “The increasing complexity of equity compensation plans and the evolving regulatory environment mean that [employer] clients are demanding comprehensive global solutions.
“We believe that Computershare’s flexible technology platform and Morgan Stanley’s EMEA global trade execution services will provide a compelling combination. We’re looking forward to working together to deliver the best possible global solution for our clients.”
