Victory Capital Submits Improved, Actionable and Clearly Superior Proposal to Acquire Janus Henderson
Key Terms
fixed exchange ratio financial
client consent regulatory
ebitda financial
tsr financial
Enhanced Financial Terms Provide Higher Value and Greater Certainty for Janus Henderson Shareholders; Materially Exceeds Value of Trian’s Contemplated Transaction
Gives Special Committee Another Opportunity to Consider Improved, Superior Proposal from Independent Third Party
Under the enhanced financial terms of Victory Capital’s revised proposal, Janus Henderson shareholders would receive
Based on Victory Capital’s closing share price as of March 16, 2026, Janus Henderson shareholders would receive total consideration of
Victory Capital’s compelling improved proposal is fully actionable and is fully financed with no financing out. While Victory Capital remains highly confident in the synergy opportunity for the combined company outlined in its prior proposal, the Company’s committed financing does not rely on the full realization of such synergies. The financing is structured conservatively, independent of synergies and is based on the credit profile and cash flow generation ability of the combined business exclusive of any expected cost savings.
David C. Brown, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Victory Capital, said: “Victory Capital’s improved proposal provides Janus Henderson shareholders meaningful upfront cash value, while allowing them to retain significant ownership in a stronger combined company positioned for long-term growth. We are encouraged by the positive response shareholders have proactively communicated to us about our prior proposal and believe it clearly provides superior value compared to the currently contemplated transaction.
“Our improved proposal is fully actionable, and we do not agree with the risks associated with our compelling transaction previously cited by the Special Committee. We have repeatedly demonstrated our ability to integrate businesses while retaining clients and investment professionals without disruption to the investment process or the client experience, which has helped build the Company we are today, managing
Victory Capital also used the letter to address misperceptions cited by the Special Committee relating to Victory Capital’s prior proposal, summarized below:
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The Special Committee’s client consent concerns are misplaced. Victory Capital has achieved an overwhelming
95% + client consent for its most recent transactions and believes there is no credible basis for claiming that its proposal raises any real client‑related concerns. Victory Capital is confident that its history of successfully securing client consents, combined with its commitment to retaining Janus Henderson’s investment professionals, by offering competitive pay, investment autonomy and industry-standard retention packages, will enable the Company to surpass the75% threshold needed for its proposed transaction. This offers Janus Henderson far greater closing certainty than the80% hurdle required by the Trian transaction.
- Victory Capital’s synergy estimates are sound and supported by the Company’s track record. In each of its major transactions, Victory Capital has not only captured substantial net expense synergies, but often surpassed initial expectations.
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Victory Capital’s proposal provides both greater certainty of value and the opportunity for Janus Henderson shareholders to participate in significant upside as markets recognize the value of the combination. The Victory Capital proposal offers almost the entirety of Janus Henderson’s unaffected share price as of October 24, 2025, in cash, with the stock consideration providing additional value and substantial upside participation through
31% ownership of the pro forma company. Further, the combined company would be highly diversified and better positioned to compete at scale against the largest asset managers in the world. Moreover, under the merger agreement with Trian, Janus Henderson would be acquired by a newly created acquisition vehicle with no operating experience, formed by a consortium of financial buyers and not a traditional asset manager – this construct offers no benefits of incremental scale.
- Victory Capital provides a strategic and stable long-term partner, unlike a transaction with a financial buyer. The Company is committed to retaining and supporting investment professionals and preserving the Janus Henderson brand. The Company will ensure that appropriate retention programs are put in place at Janus Henderson. Victory Capital’s operating model preserves the investment autonomy of each investment team by providing best-in-class support through its scaled platform. The Company’s investment performance demonstrates the strength of its track record. Additionally, the combined company will be more competitive and have even greater resources to make further investments and enhance operating and distribution platforms – benefiting all employees and materially improving growth prospects.
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Victory Capital believes Janus Henderson shareholders will overwhelmingly support its improved proposed transaction when they are provided with the opportunity to vote on it. Given the strength of the Company’s proposal, and the importance of a vote on the sale of Janus Henderson, Victory Capital expects a strong turnout from the Janus Henderson shareholders who will support the transaction and meet the two-thirds voting requirement for approving a merger under Jersey law. Precedent merger votes at publicly listed Jersey-incorporated targets over the last 10 years have consistently received support from more than
95% of votes cast, which is higher than what Victory Capital would have to achieve from non-Trian shareholders at anticipated attendance levels.
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Victory Capital has confidence in its own shareholder support. Victory Capital is the best-performing traditional asset manager in the period since its IPO, with a TSR of
500% +. Driven by its exemplary track record, Victory Capital has fostered strong relationships with employees and shareholders alike. Based on the Company’s ongoing dialogue with its shareholders, track record of securing shareholder approval in prior transactions, and significant ownership held by the Company’s employees and key partner shareholders, the Company fully expects to receive the requisite shareholder support for this transaction.
Victory Capital believes the currently contemplated transaction with Trian, an insider shareholder that has two directors on the Board, is precisely the situation that warrants independent directors exercising the utmost care to ensure that Janus Henderson’s public shareholders are afforded the best deal. Victory Capital’s improved, actionable and clearly superior proposal gives the Special Committee an opportunity to promptly begin real discussions with the Company.
PJT Partners is serving as financial advisor to Victory Capital and Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP is serving as legal advisor.
The full text of Victory’s letter to the Special Committee can be found below:
March 17, 2026
To: The Special Committee of the Board of Directors, Janus Henderson Group plc
Re: Improved Proposal
We were surprised by the Special Committee’s failure to make the determination that our February 26th proposal was superior to the existing Trian transaction given that our proposal is both actionable and provides superior value. We are encouraged by the positive response shareholders have proactively communicated to us about our proposal. Our “best-of-both-worlds” transaction structure allows Janus Henderson Group plc (“Janus Henderson”) shareholders to receive majority upfront consideration in cash and retain meaningful combined company ownership, enabling participation in long-term value creation, stemming from strategic alignment and accelerated growth potential. The combination yields a significant increase in scale, with
To underscore our commitment to this transformative combination, we are prepared to provide Janus Henderson shareholders with a significantly enhanced financial proposal. Specifically, we are now offering cash consideration of
Our improved proposal represents:
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additional cash consideration per share ($10 more cash consideration) to provide for significantly greater value certainty$1.5b n -
31% ownership in a combined asset manager with a path to meaningful future value creation -
in additional per share consideration compared to our prior proposal (based on Victory’s closing share price on March 16th)$3.26 -
of incremental aggregate consideration and a$1.2b n16% premium to Trian’s proposal (based on Victory’s closing share price on March 16th), with an opportunity for greater value increase through pro forma ownership in the combined company
Our compelling new proposal is fully actionable and is fully financed with no financing out. We have obtained committed financing in support of our improved proposal. While we remain highly confident in the synergy opportunity for the combined company outlined in our prior proposal, we want to emphasize that our committed financing does not rely on the full realization of such synergies. Our financing is structured conservatively, independent of synergies and is based on the credit profile and cash flow generation ability of the combined business exclusive of any expected cost savings. Pro forma for the combination, Victory’s net leverage will be 3.5x LTM EBITDA, excluding synergies, and 2.7x LTM EBITDA, including synergies at close.
As a seasoned acquirer with
We recognize why Trian would say they would oppose our proposal, as it is in their clear self‑interest to preserve their modest premium
We remain convinced that we are the best partner for Janus Henderson. To that end, we are supplementing our proposal with the attached merger agreement, which, as previewed, is substantially the same as the Trian agreement but reflects the increase in the purchase price, the stock component of the consideration and the other improvements that materially increase deal certainty compared to the Trian deal. Victory is prepared to execute this merger agreement expeditiously, subject only to confirmatory due diligence. Such due diligence can be accomplished in less than fourteen days with complete access to Janus Henderson management.
We reiterate that the issues cited by the Special Committee in its March 11th press release as the basis for rejecting our prior proposal could be addressed through engagement. We do not agree with the cited risks associated with the compelling Victory transaction, and our perspective is further outlined in the attached Appendix for the Special Committee’s consideration. We continue to urge the Special Committee to fulfill its fiduciary duties and act in the best interest of all Janus Henderson shareholders, by promptly beginning negotiations with us to deliver superior value. We, and our financial advisor PJT Partners, stand prepared to answer any further questions relating to our proposal.
Very truly yours,
Victory Capital Holdings, Inc.
By: /s/ David C. Brown
David C. Brown
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer
This proposal is solely an indication of interest, and does not constitute an offer, or the solicitation for an offer, or any commitment on our part to submit a definitive proposal at any time in the future or to proceed with any potential transaction. No obligations will be imposed on any person unless and until a written merger agreement that is mutually acceptable is entered into with respect to a transaction.
Appendix
Give a Fair Chance to a Better Actionable Proposal from an Independent Third Party
The existing deal is with an insider shareholder that has two directors on the Board. This is precisely the situation that warrants independent directors exercising the utmost care to ensure that the public shareholders are afforded the best deal. We observe from your proxy statement the insider’s tactics in arriving at a signed transaction:
- Publicly announcing a non-binding unsolicited bid for Janus Henderson that put Janus Henderson in play
- When a single third party (Victory) emerges with a superior competing proposal to the inside deal, the insider then asserting that it would not support an alternative transaction
- The uncertainty created by the public announcement of the Trian bid leading management to advise the Special Committee that a deal needed to be signed quickly to avoid potential employee attrition
- The insider's invoking uncertainty with its financing as the rationale for pushing quickly to sign its deal by year end
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The insider negotiating off-market expense reimbursement and termination fee provisions for the benefit of the insider’s acquisition vehicle, resulting in
.42mm in expense reimbursements ($111 1.5% of equity value) if Janus Henderson shareholders fail to approve the Trian deal and a .13mm cash termination fee ($297 4% of equity value) if Janus Henderson terminates the deal to enter into a superior proposal
Our improved, actionable, superior proposal gives the Special Committee an opportunity to promptly begin real discussions with Victory.
The 32-minute call on March 9th with the Special Committee was perfunctory. The assertions that Victory did not articulate specific plans for obtaining client consent and required shareholder votes or adequately justify synergies are unwarranted, given Victory was never provided any agenda for the call, or asked detailed or follow-up questions during the brief conversation. We question what of substance could have possibly been achieved in the mere 32 minutes of engagement we were afforded.
We are addressing below several misperceptions cited by the Special Committee relating to our prior proposal.
Client Threshold Is Not a Real World Concern for Our Proposal
Victory has a long, proven track record of executing acquisitions that require client consent from the same distribution channels as would be required for the Janus Henderson transaction. In our most recent transactions, we achieved an overwhelming
The suggestion that Victory would have difficulty securing
Combining our history of successfully securing these approvals, and our commitment to retaining Janus Henderson’s investment professionals by offering competitive pay, investment autonomy and industry-standard retention packages, we see no credible basis for claiming that our prior proposal raises any real client‑related concerns. Victory products have widespread, industry-leading acceptance rates among clients – Victory currently has products with approximately 150,000 financial advisors, representing over half of all advisors in
Synergies Estimates Are Sound
As we have made clear in our prior letters, Victory’s exceptional track record in delivering synergies, while enhancing client experience, is undeniable. In every major transaction, Victory has not only captured substantial net expense synergies but often surpassed our initial expectations. The market has repeatedly validated our ability to successfully integrate acquisitions.
Janus Henderson’s own financial advisor acknowledges that precedent asset management transactions typically generate synergies equal to roughly
We approach estimated synergies by examining the larger expense base of the pro forma combined company. Victory has EBITDA margins of ~
We believe that synergies driven by efficiencies in the middle and back office, operational and administrative infrastructure, vendor consolidation and duplication will leverage the economies of scale of the combined platform and, most importantly, do not represent risk to client experience or compliance, systems, and services. We re-emphasize that Victory plans to retain and support investment professionals and maintain the current investment processes to minimize any impact. With the alternative transaction, a financial buyer’s monetization goals, undisclosed post-closing synergy plans and subsequent potential changes of ownership may present risk for investment process disruption.
Degradation of investment performance and client experience is an unsubstantiated concern. Victory’s investment performance speaks for itself:
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A majority of Victory’s mutual funds and ETFs, representing ~
65% of rated fund AUM, achieved 4- or 5-star overall ratings from Morningstar - Nearly half of fund AUM ranked in the top quartile over the trailing 3-year period
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~
80% of AUM outperformed benchmarks over the last 10-year period -
Pioneer’s investment performance has remained extremely strong under Victory's ownership
- Morningstar metrics steady or improved since the transaction closed
- Pioneer has been net flow positive in each quarter since the transaction closed
High Certainty of Value and Value Creation
Our “best-of-both-worlds” improved transaction offers Janus Henderson shareholders material upfront consideration delivered in cash, along with a significant ownership stake of
We remain highly confident in the synergy opportunity for the combined company outlined in our prior proposal. As benefits around synergies and growth are realized and the Victory trading multiple appropriately reflects the pro forma company’s future prospects, Janus Henderson’s shareholders will share in the meaningful long-term value creation.
Indeed, even publicly filed analysis of our prior proposal by your financial advisor (reference page 13 of “Project Jewel Discussion Materials” dated March 3rd, filed as Exhibit 99.(c)(ix) to the Schedule 13E-3/A on March 11th) clearly demonstrates the upside potential through pro forma value creation and increased share price across a vast spectrum of potential scenarios.
Lastly, scale is one of the most important determinants of success in our industry, so we disagree with the assertion that Victory’s “small” size poses a material risk. Victory’s AUM is ~40-50x that of Trian’s and ~10x that of General Catalyst’s. Moreover, under the merger agreement with Trian, Janus Henderson would be acquired by a newly created acquisition vehicle with no operating experience, formed by a consortium of financial buyers and not a traditional asset manager – this construct offers no benefits of incremental scale.
Employees Will Find a Permanent Home at Victory vs. a Transaction with a Financial Buyer
Investment management is a people-driven business and, as such, Janus Henderson’s employees are core to its continued success. A combination with Victory undoubtedly represents reduced uncertainty for employees on account of several factors:
- We are committing to retain and support investment professionals and preserve the Janus Henderson brand. We will ensure that appropriate retention programs are put in place at Janus Henderson
- Our operating model preserves the investment autonomy of each investment team providing best-in-class support through our scaled platform. Our investment performance demonstrates the strength of our track record of success
- Throughout our history, we have fostered a culture of ownership, in which our employees have meaningful ownership in our company and our products, aligning the interests of our company, employees and clients
- We are in the human capital business and, as such, we value and appreciate our most important asset, our people. We employ “owners” not employees. Accordingly, we strive to offer highly competitive compensation and comprehensive health, wellness and retirement benefits to our employees
- One of our greatest strengths is our employee retention which has contributed to our company’s long-term success and demonstrates our commitment to our employees
- The combined company will be more competitive and have even greater resources to make further investments to enhance operating and distribution platforms benefiting all employees and materially improving growth prospects
We Believe Janus Henderson Shareholders Will Overwhelmingly Support Our Improved Proposal
When they are provided with the opportunity to vote on our transaction, we are confident the Janus Henderson shareholders will overwhelmingly support Victory’s improved proposed transaction. Given the strength of our proposal and the importance of a vote on the sale of Janus Henderson, we expect a strong turnout from the Janus Henderson shareholders who will support the transaction and meet the two-thirds voting requirement for approving a merger under Jersey law. Precedent merger votes at publicly listed Jersey-incorporated targets over the last 10 years have consistently received support from more than
We Have Confidence in Our Shareholders’ Approval
Since our IPO 8 years ago, Victory has been led by its CEO and current leadership team, executing on the same, consistent and focused strategy. Victory is the best-performing traditional asset manager in the period since its IPO, with a TSR of
About Victory Capital
Victory Capital (NASDAQ: VCTR) is a diversified global asset management firm with
Victory Capital is headquartered in
Forward-Looking Statements
This communication contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of applicable
No Offer or Solicitation
This communication does not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy any securities or a solicitation of any vote or approval, nor shall there be any sale of securities in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such jurisdiction. No offer of securities shall be made except by means of a prospectus meeting the requirements of Section 10 of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.
Additional Information and Where to Find It
This communication relates to a proposal which Victory Capital has made to the Special Committee of Janus Henderson’s Board of Directors for an acquisition of Janus Henderson. In furtherance of this proposal and subject to future developments, Victory Capital (and, if a negotiated transaction is agreed, Janus Henderson) may file one or more registration statements, proxy statements, tender offer statements or other documents with the SEC. This communication is not a substitute for any proxy statement, registration statement, tender offer statement, prospectus or other document Victory Capital and/or Janus Henderson may file with the SEC in connection with the proposed transactions.
INVESTORS AND SECURITY HOLDERS OF VICTORY CAPITAL AND JANUS HENDERSON ARE URGED TO READ ANY PROXY STATEMENT(S), REGISTRATION STATEMENT(S), TENDER OFFER STATEMENT, PROSPECTUS AND ANY OTHER RELEVANT DOCUMENTS FILED WITH THE SEC CAREFULLY IN THEIR ENTIRETY IF AND WHEN THEY BECOME AVAILABLE BECAUSE THEY WILL CONTAIN IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT VICTORY CAPITAL, JANUS HENDERSON AND THE PROPOSED TRANSACTION. Any definitive proxy statement(s) or prospectus(es) (if and when available) will be mailed to stockholders of Victory Capital and/or Janus Henderson, as applicable. Investors and security holders will be able to obtain copies of these documents (if and when available) and other documents filed with the SEC by Victory Capital free of charge through the website maintained by the SEC at www.sec.gov. Copies of the documents filed by Victory Capital (if and when available) will also be made available free of charge by accessing Victory Capital’s website at www.vcm.com.
Certain Information Regarding Participants
This communication is neither a solicitation of a proxy nor a substitute for any proxy statement or other filings that may be made with the SEC. Nonetheless, Victory Capital and its directors and certain of its executive officers and other members of management and employees may be deemed, under SEC rules, to be participants in the solicitation of proxies in respect of any proposed transaction. Security holders may obtain information regarding the names, affiliations and interests of such individuals in Victory Capital’s definitive proxy statement for the 2025 annual meeting of stockholders, which was filed with the SEC on March 28, 2025, and certain of its Current Reports on Form 8-K. Additional information regarding the interests of such individuals in the proposed transaction will be included in one or more registration statements, proxy statements, tender offer statements or other documents filed with the SEC if and when they become available. These documents (if and when available) may be obtained free of charge from the SEC’s website at http://www.sec.gov and Victory Capital’s website at www.vcm.com.
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Investors:
Matthew Dennis, CFA
Chief of Staff
Director, Investor Relations
216-898-2412
mdennis@vcm.com
Media:
Andy Brimmer / Richard M. Goldman / Maggie Carangelo
Joele Frank, Wilkinson Brimmer Katcher
212-355-4449
VictoryCapitalMedia@Joelefrank.com
Jessica Davila
Director, Global Communications
210-694-9693
jessica_davila@vcm.com
Source: Victory Capital Holdings, Inc.