Forward and Accessor fund firms combine

Forward Management LLC in San Francisco announced today it will acquire Accessor Capital Management LP in Seattle, creating a combined mutual fund firm with 34 funds and $5 billion under management. Both firms are privately held but the deal is still dependent on mutual fund shareholder approval. “The addition of the Accessor Funds to the Forward family diversifies our product offerings, including our alternatives strategies, and we are excited about the opportunities we have to continue developing innovative investment options for investors,” J. Alan Reid Jr., president of Forward Management, said in a statement. J. Anthony Whatley, president and founder of Accessor Capital Management, will assume the role of vice chairman and head the Investment Policy Committee. Accessor Funds will continue to be branded and labeled as Accessor Funds (part of the Forward Family of Funds). All fund names and ticker symbols will stay the same for the foreseeable future, although CUSIP numbers will change. CUSIP stands for Committee on Uniform Securities Identification Procedures. A CUSIP number identifies most securities, including stocks of all registered U.S. and Canadian companies and U.S. government and municipal bonds.