BlackRock says PNC to sell stake, plans $1.1 billion buyback

BlackRock says PNC to sell stake, plans $1.1 billion buyback
PNC acquired the world's largest asset manager for $240 million in 1995
MAY 11, 2020
By  Bloomberg

BlackRock Inc. said PNC Financial will exit its full investment in the world’s largest asset manager.

PNC will offer the shares in a public secondary offering, BlackRock said in a statement Monday. As part of the transaction, BlackRock will buy back $1.1 billion in the shares directly from the firm.

The decision concludes years of questions over how long PNC would hold on to its stake in BlackRock, where it was the largest holder at 22%. PNC played a crucial role in BlackRock’s history, acquiring it for $240 million in 1995. The move split it from alternative asset manager the Blackstone Group. Steve Schwarzman later called the sale a “heroic” mistake.

Now is the right time to “unlock the value of our investment” in BlackRock, PNC CEO William Demchak said in a statement. “We feel the time is now right to do just that, realizing a substantial return on our investment, significantly enhancing our already strong balance sheet and liquidity, and leaving PNC very well-positioned to take advantage of potential investment opportunities that history has shown can arise in disrupted markets.”

The move further separates BlackRock from PNC’s regulatory oversight, Credit Suisse analysts said in a note following the announcement.

Latest News

Advisor moves: RBC swipes $1.7B UBS team, Baird duo departs for LPL's Linsco channel
Advisor moves: RBC swipes $1.7B UBS team, Baird duo departs for LPL's Linsco channel

RBC Wealth Management's latest move in New York adds an elite eight-member team to its recently opened Westchester office.

Stifel star broker, Chuck Roberts, leaves firm under cloud of investor complaints
Stifel star broker, Chuck Roberts, leaves firm under cloud of investor complaints

Stifel – so far - is on the hook for more than $166 million in damages, legal fees and settlements in investor complaints involving Roberts, a 35-year industry veteran.

iCapital secures $820M in latest funding, hits $7.5B
iCapital secures $820M in latest funding, hits $7.5B

The giant alt investments platform's latest financing led by T. Rowe Price and SurgoCap Partners, along with State Street, UBS, and BNY, will fuel additional growth on multiple fronts.

Merrill Lynch on the hook for $3.7M after clients claimed sale of unsuitable private equity
Merrill Lynch on the hook for $3.7M after clients claimed sale of unsuitable private equity

Some investors recently have seen million dollar plus decisions by FINRA arbitration panels involving complex products decisions go their way.

What does it take to feel 'financially comfortable' or 'wealthy' in 2025?
What does it take to feel 'financially comfortable' or 'wealthy' in 2025?

New report shines a light on how Americans view wealth today.

SPONSORED How advisors can build for high-net-worth complexity

Orion's Tom Wilson on delivering coordinated, high-touch service in a world where returns alone no longer set you apart.

SPONSORED RILAs bring stability, growth during volatile markets

Barely a decade old, registered index-linked annuities have quickly surged in popularity, thanks to their unique blend of protection and growth potential—an appealing option for investors looking to chart a steadier course through today's choppy market waters, says Myles Lambert, Brighthouse Financial.