Victory Capital (VCTR) lines up multibillion First Eagle takeover
Rhea-AI Filing Summary
Victory Capital Holdings, Inc. (VCTR) announced a definitive agreement to acquire 100% of First Eagle Investments from Genstar Capital and First Eagle employees for total consideration of approximately $7.0 billion, payable in about $4.4 billion cash and $2.0 billion in newly issued Victory equity, plus assumption of $575 million of 7.25% senior secured notes due 2032. First Eagle has about $222 billion of AUM as of July 31, 2026, including a $41 billion CLO and alternative credit platform. After closing, the combined firm is expected to have roughly $571 billion in client assets and approximately $3.2 billion in annual revenue, with the deal expected to be about 35% accretive to 2027E adjusted EPS, including around $280 million of anticipated net expense synergies.
Victory Capital plans to finance the transaction with a new $3.5 billion term loan B, about $950 million of new secured notes, and an upsized $200 million revolver, while keeping its existing term loan B in place. Genstar is expected to own about 14.6% of Victory on a fully diluted, as-converted basis, with voting power capped at 4.9% and the balance in non-voting convertible preferred stock under a three-year lock-up. Genstar will designate two directors to an expanded 11-member board. Closing is subject to regulatory approvals, client consents, and Victory shareholder approval of the share issuance, and is targeted by the end of the first quarter of 2027.
Positive
- 35% 2027E EPS accretion expected from the acquisition, including approximately $280 million of net expense synergies and creating a combined company with about $3.2 billion in annual revenue.
- Combined firm to reach approximately $571 billion in client assets, adding First Eagle’s $222 billion AUM and a $41 billion CLO and alternative credit platform, materially increasing scale and product breadth.
Negative
- Transaction adds substantial leverage via a new $3.5 billion term loan B, about $950 million of new secured notes, and assumption of $575 million of 7.25% notes, increasing indebtedness and related financing risk.
- Existing shareholders face dilution as Genstar is expected to own about 14.6% of Victory Capital on a fully diluted, as-converted basis following issuance of new equity.
Filing Explained
Victory has signed the First Eagle agreement, but closing remains subject to approvals and consents; if the planned Victory equity is issued, existing ownership would be diluted, while the
8-K Event Classification
Key Figures
Key Terms
assets under management financial
CLO financial
senior secured notes financial
term loan B financial
non-voting convertible preferred stock financial
Morningstar rating financial
FAQ
What transaction did VCTR announce regarding First Eagle Investments?
How large will Victory Capital (VCTR) be after acquiring First Eagle?
What are the expected financial benefits of the First Eagle deal for VCTR?
How is Victory Capital (VCTR) financing the First Eagle acquisition?
How much dilution and governance influence will Genstar have in VCTR?
When is the Victory Capital–First Eagle transaction expected to close?
What is First Eagle’s asset base and ratings profile in the VCTR deal?
AI-generated analysis. How Rhea-AI works. Not financial advice.
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
FORM
CURRENT REPORT
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Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an emerging growth company as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act of 1933 (17 CFR §230.405) or Rule 12b-2 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (17 CFR §240.12b-2).
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If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ¨
Item 8.01 Other Events.
On August 26, 2026, Victory Capital Holdings, Inc. (“Victory” or the “Company”) issued a press release announcing that it has entered into a definitive agreement with Genstar Capital whereby the Company will acquire First Eagle Investments (“First Eagle”) in exchange for cash and stock consideration as further described in the press release. The closing of the contemplated transactions is subject to customary closing conditions. A copy of the press release is attached hereto as Exhibit 99.1 and is incorporated herein by reference.
Item 9.01. Financial Statements and Exhibits.
(d) Exhibits.
| Exhibit | Description | |
| 99.1 | Press Release issued by Victory Capital Holdings, Inc. on August 26, 2026 | |
| 104 | Cover Page Interactive Data File (embedded within the Inline XBRL document) |
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Forward Looking Statements
The forward-looking statements contained in this Form 8-K are qualified by the information contained under the heading “Forward-Looking Statements” in the press release furnished as Exhibit 99.1 hereto.
Important Additional Information and Where to Find It
This communication is being issued in connection with the proposed acquisition of First Eagle by the Company. In connection with the transaction, the Company intends to file a proxy statement and certain other documents regarding the transaction with the SEC. The definitive version of the proxy statement (if and when available) will be mailed to the Company’s stockholders.
INVESTORS AND SECURITY HOLDERS ARE URGED TO READ THE PROXY STATEMENT (INCLUDING ANY AMENDMENTS OR SUPPLEMENTS THERETO) AND ANY OTHER RELEVANT DOCUMENTS THAT ARE FILED OR WILL BE FILED WITH THE SEC, CAREFULLY AND IN THEIR ENTIRETY WHEN THEY BECOME AVAILABLE BECAUSE THEY WILL CONTAIN IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT THE TRANSACTIONS CONTEMPLATED BY THE MERGER AGREEMENT AND RELATED MATTERS.
Investors and security holders may obtain, free of charge, copies of the proxy statement (when it is available) and other documents that are filed or will be filed with the SEC by the Company through the website maintained by the SEC at www.sec.gov or the Investor Relations portion of the Company’s website at https://ir.vcm.com.
Participants in the Solicitation
The Company and certain of its directors, executive officers and other employees may be deemed to be “participants” in the solicitation of proxies from the Company’s stockholders with respect to the special meeting of stockholders that will be held to consider and vote upon the approval of the share issuance in connection with the proposed acquisition of First Eagle by the Company. Additional information regarding the identity of the participants, and their respective direct and indirect interests in the transaction, by security holdings or otherwise, will be set forth in the proxy statement and other materials to be filed with the SEC in connection with the transaction (if and when they become available). Information relating to the Company’s executive officers and directors can also be found in the Company’s proxy statement for its 2026 annual meeting of stockholders, which was filed with the SEC on March 27, 2026. Investors and security holders may obtain free copies of these documents using the sources indicated above.
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SIGNATURE
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized.
| VICTORY CAPITAL HOLDINGS, INC. | |||
| By: | /s/ Nina Gupta | ||
| Name: | Nina Gupta | ||
| Title: | Chief Legal Officer | ||
Date: August 26, 2026
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Exhibit 99.1
Victory
Capital to Acquire First Eagle Investments, Creating a $571
Billion Diversified Global Asset Manager
Adds a differentiated global value multi-asset capability, complementary equity and fixed income capabilities, and a scaled CLO and alternative credit platform
Enhances Victory Capital's organic growth profile through a multi-year history of positive net flows, broadened investment capabilities, and strong investment performance
Expands distribution reach across channels
First Eagle will operate on Victory Capital's platform, while retaining its brand, investment autonomy, and existing investment processes
San Antonio, Texas, August 26, 2026 — Victory Capital Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ: VCTR) (“Victory Capital” or “the Company”) today announced that it has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire 100% of First Eagle Investments (“First Eagle”), an independent, privately held global asset manager with approximately $222 billion in assets under management (“AUM”) as of July 31, 2026, from Genstar Capital (“Genstar”) and First Eagle employees.
Upon closing, the combined company is expected to have approximately $571 billion in total client assets, positioning Victory Capital as one of the largest publicly traded traditional asset managers in the U.S.
"This is a transformational transaction that represents the next chapter in the evolution of our business,” said David Brown, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Victory Capital. "First Eagle is a premier global asset manager, with a diversified product lineup spanning global multi-asset, equities, fixed income, and a scaled alternatives platform that includes CLOs and alternative credit. It brings positive net flows in each of the last three years and year to date, as well as investment capabilities that are highly complementary to our own. This transaction enriches Victory Capital’s talent pool, gives us additional scale to invest even more in our overall platform, and amplifies our distribution depth and breadth in the U.S., as well as outside the U.S. through our strategic partnership with Amundi. It makes our company better, more competitive and more resilient through all market cycles. Our clients gain access to a broader set of investment capabilities and deeper resources, and our shareholders benefit from the enhanced scale and earnings power of the combined company.”
First Eagle will operate on Victory Capital's platform, while retaining its brand, investment autonomy, and, most importantly, its existing investment processes — the same model that has made Victory Capital’s prior transactions successful. First Eagle's $41 billion CLO and alternative credit platform will serve as the combined company’s alternative investments platform post-closing. Victory Capital and First Eagle will work together to ensure a seamless transition for clients, including continuity in how their money is managed and how they are served.
“I believe this transaction is a very positive development for First Eagle and, most importantly, for our clients. First Eagle’s distinctive investment teams will continue to operate autonomously, with no change to the investment philosophies and processes that have earned our clients’ confidence over time,” said Mehdi Mahmud, President and Chief Executive Officer of First Eagle. “Clients will also benefit from the materially larger distribution footprint of the combined entity. I expect the combined company’s scale, status as a publicly traded company, and ability to invest in the business for the long term will be a source of strength in the years ahead. The key stakeholders in our business have enthusiastically affirmed their support for this transaction.”
“We’re excited to partner with Victory Capital. We have known the firm and its leadership for a long time and could not be more enthusiastic about what this means for clients of both organizations,” said Tony Salewski, Managing Partner at Genstar. “Mehdi and the First Eagle team have done an outstanding job building a market-leading investment firm, and Victory Capital is the right permanent partner for First Eagle to build on that success. I look forward to what the combined platform can accomplish.”
Strategic and Financial Benefits
A broader platform and a strong investment performance record
First Eagle has approximately $222 billion in AUM across global value multi-asset, equities and fixed income, including a scaled $41 billion CLO and alternative credit platform, with 92% of its rated mutual fund and ETF AUM having achieved an overall four- or five-star Morningstar rating.
Enhanced organic growth profile and expanded reach
First Eagle has generated positive net flows in each of the last three years and is net flow positive year to date through July 31, 2026. The transaction creates a materially larger distribution platform across channels.
Meaningful earnings accretion and enhanced scale
The transaction is expected to be approximately 35% accretive to 2027E adjusted earnings per share, inclusive of approximately $280 million of anticipated net expense synergies, creating a combined company with annual revenue of approximately $3.2 billion.
Transaction Details
Victory Capital will acquire First Eagle for total consideration of approximately $7.0 billion, comprising approximately $4.4 billion in cash and $2.0 billion in newly issued Victory Capital equity. In addition, Victory Capital will assume $575 million of First Eagle's existing 7.25% senior secured notes due 2032.
Following the transaction, Genstar is expected to own approximately 14.6% of Victory Capital on a fully diluted, as-converted basis, with its voting interest limited to 4.9%. The balance of its economic interest will be held in Non-Voting Convertible Preferred stock. Genstar's entire position will be subject to a three-year lock-up period.
Genstar will be entitled to designate two directors to the Victory Capital Holdings Board of Directors, which will expand to 11 members upon closing. David Brown will continue to serve as CEO and Chairman of the Board.
The transaction remains subject to customary closing conditions, including certain regulatory approvals and client consents, and is expected to close by the end of the first quarter of 2027. The issuance of Victory Capital equity in connection with the transaction is subject to the approval of Victory Capital shareholders.
Victory Capital has secured fully committed financing for the transaction from BofA Securities and RBC Capital Markets, LLC. The financing is expected to comprise of a new $3.5 billion term loan B facility and approximately $950 million of new secured notes, together with an upsized $200 million revolving credit facility. The Company's existing term loan B is expected to remain in place.
PJT Partners is acting as lead financial advisor to Victory Capital and rendered a fairness opinion to its Board of Directors. RBC Capital Markets served as an additional financial advisor to Victory Capital. Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP is acting as legal advisor to Victory Capital in connection with the transaction.
UBS Investment Bank is acting as lead financial advisor to First Eagle; BofA Securities served as an additional financial advisor to First Eagle. Ropes and Gray LLP is acting as legal advisor to First Eagle and Davis Polk & Wardwell LLP is acting as legal advisor to its management in connection with the transaction.
Webcast and Slide Presentation
Victory Capital will host a webcast at 8:00 a.m. ET today, during which David Brown, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, and Michael Policarpo, President, Chief Financial Officer and Chief Administrative Officer, will deliver prepared remarks on the transaction. The webcast and the accompanying slide presentation will be available on the Events and Presentations page of the Company's investor relations website at https://ir.vcm.com, where a replay will be posted following the event. A fact sheet on First Eagle will be posted to the same location.
About Victory Capital
Victory Capital (NASDAQ: VCTR) is a diversified global asset management firm with $348.8 billion in total client assets, as of July 31, 2026. We serve institutional, intermediary, and individual clients through our Investment Franchises and Solutions Platform, which manage specialized investment strategies across traditional and alternative asset classes. Our differentiated approach combines the power of investment autonomy with the support of a robust, fully integrated operational and distribution platform. Clients have access to focused, top-tier investment talent equipped with comprehensive resources designed to deliver competitive long-term performance.
Victory Capital is headquartered in San Antonio, Texas. To learn more, visit www.vcm.com or follow us on Facebook, Twitter (X), and LinkedIn.
About First Eagle Investments
First Eagle Investments is an independent, privately owned investment management firm headquartered in New York with approximately $222 billion in assets under management as of July 31, 2026. Dedicated to providing prudent stewardship of client assets, the firm focuses on active, fundamental and benchmark-agnostic investing, with a strong emphasis on downside mitigation. With a heritage dating back to 1864, First Eagle strives to help clients avoid permanent impairment of capital and earn attractive returns through widely varied economic cycles. The firm’s investment capabilities include equity, fixed income, alternative credit and multi-asset strategies.
About Genstar Capital
Genstar Capital (www.gencap.com) is a leading private equity firm that has been actively investing in high-quality companies for over 35 years. Based in San Francisco, Genstar works in partnership with its management teams and its network of strategic advisors to transform its portfolio companies into industry-leading businesses. Genstar currently has approximately $51 billion of assets under management and targets investments focused on targeted segments of the financial services, industrials, healthcare, and software industries.
Contacts
Investors:
Carly Thomas
Director, Investor Relations and Responsible Business
210-694-9658
cthomas@vcm.com
Media:
Jessica Davila Burgess
Director of Global Communications
210-694-9693
Jessica_davila@vcm.com
First Eagle Investments
Pholida Barclay
212-698-3208
pholida.barclay@firsteagle.com
Genstar Capital
FGS Global
GenstarCapital@FGSGlobal.com
Forward-Looking Statements
This press release and the accompanying investor presentation contain forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and other applicable U.S. federal and non-U.S. securities laws. Forward-looking statements can be identified by words such as "anticipate," "believe," "estimate," "expect," "intend," "plan," "project," "target," "will," "would," "could," "should," "may" and similar expressions, or by discussions of strategy, objectives or future performance. These statements include, without limitation, statements regarding the expected timing and completion of the proposed acquisition of First Eagle; the anticipated benefits of the transaction, including expected net expense synergies, earnings accretion, revenue, Adjusted EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA margin, fee rate, organic growth and net flows; pro forma financial, operating and asset under management metrics; the Company’s expected capital structure, indebtedness, net leverage and pace of de-levering; the expected treatment of First Eagle's investment teams, brands, products and platforms following closing; statements regarding the Company's longer-term growth objectives; and the future performance of the combined company. Forward- looking statements are not historical facts. They reflect the Company's current expectations, estimates and assumptions, are inherently subject to significant business, economic, competitive and regulatory uncertainties and contingencies that are difficult to predict, and are not guarantees of future performance. Actual results may differ materially.
Although it is not possible to identify all such risks and factors, they include, among others: the risk that one or more conditions to closing is not satisfied and that the transaction is not completed on the anticipated timeline or at all, including the failure to obtain required regulatory approvals or required client and fund board consents; the risk that the merger agreement is terminated; the risk that the Company's shareholders do not approve the issuance of equity in connection with the transaction; dilution to existing shareholders resulting from the issuance of common stock and non-voting convertible preferred stock, including on a fully diluted, as-converted basis; risks relating to the financing of the transaction, including the availability, cost and terms of debt financing, prevailing interest rates, the Company's ability to syndicate the financing on expected terms, the substantial increase in the Company's indebtedness, restrictions imposed by the terms of that indebtedness, and the Company's ability to de-lever on the anticipated timeline; the possibility of adverse changes in the Company's credit ratings; the risk that anticipated net expense synergies are not realized in the amounts or within the timeframe expected, or at all, and that the costs to achieve them exceed current estimates; risks relating to integration, including the diversion of management attention, the retention of key investment professionals, distribution personnel and other employees, the retention of clients and assets, the integration of operations, technology and administrative functions, and decisions regarding branding and the rationalization of products, strategies or teams; the fact that financial and operating information regarding First Eagle used in preparing the estimates in this press release is derived from a privately held company, has not been independently verified or audited, and is based in part on representations of First Eagle's management and on the Company's due diligence, which may prove incomplete or inaccurate; risks relating to investment performance and net client cash flows, including that historical net flows, investment performance and Morningstar ratings are not indicative of future results and that ratings and rankings are subject to change; the sensitivity of assets under management, revenue and earnings to conditions in the financial markets and to changes in interest rates, credit spreads and asset valuations; the Company's dependence on third-party distribution relationships, including its global distribution arrangements; competitive pressure and ongoing consolidation in the asset management industry; the incurrence of significant transaction, financing and integration expenses; the risk of litigation or regulatory proceedings relating to the transaction; general economic, market, geopolitical and regulatory conditions; and the other risks and factors described under "Risk Factors" and elsewhere in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2025, its subsequent Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, and its other filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.
Any forward-looking statement speaks only as of the date on which it is made. Except as required by law, the Company assumes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.
Non-GAAP Financial Measures
This press release contains non-GAAP financial measures, including Adjusted EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA margin, adjusted earnings per share and net leverage, presented on a Victory Capital standalone, First Eagle standalone and/or pro forma combined basis. These measures are not calculated in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles and should not be considered in isolation from, or as substitutes for, the most directly comparable GAAP measures. Pro forma figures are estimates presented for illustrative purposes only, are based on assumptions the Company believes to be reasonable, and do not purport to represent what the combined company's results actually would have been had the transaction been completed on the dates indicated, or to project results for any future period. Reconciliations of non-GAAP measures to the most directly comparable GAAP measures, to the extent available without unreasonable effort, are included in the investor presentation available at https://ir.vcm.com. Anticipated synergies are estimates only, are subject to the risks described above, and are not guarantees of future results.
Important Additional Information and Where to Find It
This communication is being issued in connection with the proposed acquisition of First Eagle Investments by the Company. In connection with the transaction, the Company intends to file a proxy statement and certain other documents regarding the transaction with the SEC. The definitive version of the proxy statement (if and when available) will be mailed to the Company's stockholders.
INVESTORS AND SECURITY HOLDERS ARE URGED TO READ THE PROXY STATEMENT (INCLUDING ANY AMENDMENTS OR SUPPLEMENTS THERETO) AND ANY OTHER RELEVANT DOCUMENTS THAT ARE FILED OR WILL BE FILED WITH THE SEC, CAREFULLY AND IN THEIR ENTIRETY WHEN THEY BECOME AVAILABLE BECAUSE THEY WILL CONTAIN IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT THE PROPOSED TRANSACTION AND RELATED MATTERS.
Investors and security holders may obtain, free of charge, copies of the proxy statement (when available) and other documents filed with the SEC through the website maintained by the SEC at www.sec.gov or the investor relations section of the Company's website at https://ir.vcm.com.
Participants in the Solicitation
The Company and certain of its directors, executive officers and other employees may be deemed to be “participants” in the solicitation of proxies from the Company's stockholders with respect to the special meeting of stockholders that will be held to consider and vote upon the approval of the share issuance in connection with the proposed transaction. Additional information regarding the identity of the participants, and their respective direct and indirect interests in the transaction, by security holdings or otherwise, will be set forth in the proxy statement and other materials to be filed with the SEC in connection with the transaction (if and when they become available). Information relating to the Company's executive officers and directors can also be found in the Company's proxy statement for its 2026 annual meeting of stockholders filed with the SEC.
Performance Disclosures
Past performance is not indicative of future results.
All investments carry a certain degree of risk, including the possible loss of principal, and an investment should only be made with an understanding of the risks involved with owning a particular security or asset class. You are encouraged to seek professional advice regarding the best options for your particular circumstances.
A fund’s most recent performance can be found at firsteagle.com. 8% of AUM in First Eagle mutual funds and ETFs rated by Morningstar did not receive overall rating of 4 or 5 stars. 9.9% of AUM in First Eagle mutual funds and ETFs is not rated. Funds and share classes not rated by Morningstar are excluded from the analysis. Not all share classes considered are available to the general public and not all funds included have a history to be included in each period. Had fees not been waived and/or expenses reimbursed currently or in the past, the Morningstar ratings could have been lower. The following copyright pertains only to the Morningstar information. ©2026 Morningstar, Inc. All rights reserved. The Morningstar information contained herein: (1) is proprietary to Morningstar; (2) may not be copied; and (3) is not warranted to be accurate, complete or timely. Neither Morningstar nor its content providers are responsible for any damages or losses arising from any use of this information. Visit firsteagle.com for more information.
AUM Disclosures
The First Eagle total AUM represents the combined AUM and assets under advisement of First Eagle Investment Management, LLC, First Eagle Separate Account Management, LLC, Napier Park Global Capital (Napier Park), First Eagle Alternative Credit (FEAC), and Diamond Hill Capital Management, LLC as of 31-Jul-2026. It includes $3.3 billion in committed/non-fee-paying capital from Napier Park, inclusive of assets managed by RLM and CMV, and $0.8 billion in committed/non-fee-paying capital from FEAC. For CLO warehouses, AUM represents maximum commitment (loan par value). As of 5-Sep-2025, Napier Park and FEAC investment activities are unified under Napier Park’s brand and management. First Eagle Alternative Credit, LLC is a distinct registered investment advisor within the Napier Park platform, acting in sub-advisory capacity to a number of First Eagle’s registered funds.