Baird, Sagard join forces to supercharge alternative investment access for US wealth clients

A US broker-dealer and a Canadian-headquartered alternative asset manager have announced a new partnership to expand both firms’ capabilities in the US wealth channel.

Sagard and Baird have entered into a strategic partnership aimed at accelerating Sagard’s expansion into the US wealth management sector and represents a significant milestone for the asset manager as it seeks to build a globally scaled platform focused on middle-market opportunities.

For Baird, the partnership expands its offering to provide clients with differentiated, institutional-grade investment solutions.

Through this collaboration, Sagard will leverage Baird’s established wealth management network to introduce its suite of alternative strategies to a broader investor base.

As part of the agreement, Baird has acquired a minority interest in Sagard, marking its first institutional investment in the firm. Baird will distribute select Sagard strategies through its private wealth management network, with an emphasis on joint product development, advisor education, and platform integration.

"Partnering with Sagard strengthens our ability to deliver distinctive investment opportunities to our clients and gives us important exposure to the continued growth of alternative assets," said Steve Booth, chairman and CEO of Baird. "Their consistency over time and innovative approach align well with our commitment to helping clients achieve their long-term financial goals."

Both organizations intend to explore further opportunities across their global networks beyond the immediate scope of wealth management.

"This partnership with Baird is a pivotal step in our strategy to enter the U.S. wealth channel with an organization whose network and values closely complement our own," said Paul Desmarais III, chairman and CEO of Sagard. "It aligns with our goal of building a leading middle-market-focused investment firm, offering individual investors across the U.S. greater access to institutional-quality alternative investments as part of a broad partnership benefiting both firms."

The firms also plan to jointly design new US-focused investment strategies, supported by a dedicated wholesaling team and made available via the CAIS platform. This approach reflects their shared emphasis on advisor support, product innovation, and expanding access to alternatives within the wealth management market.