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

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

Chicago’s 'Mr. Finance' posed as advisor in loan scheme, according to Illinois regulators
Chicago’s 'Mr. Finance' posed as advisor in loan scheme, according to Illinois regulators

The Illinois order refers to Brandon Ellington’s investment program as a “Ponzi-like scheme.”

Bezos calls for zero income tax on bottom half of earners
Bezos calls for zero income tax on bottom half of earners

But the Amazon executive chair seems to want it both ways, arguing that taxing the ultra-wealthy won't help struggling Americans.

Why the Charity Parity Act matters for retired clients in 401(k)s
Why the Charity Parity Act matters for retired clients in 401(k)s

Northern Trust planning leader sees the bill extending qualified charitable distributions to employer plans as a potential positive step — but advisors shouldn't overlook bigger holes in the strategy.

Trust is built before volatility arrives
Trust is built before volatility arrives

Markets will always create reasons for investors to worry. The advisor’s role is not to predict uncertainty, but to help clients understand why volatility should not derail a well-built financial plan.

Fintech bytes: Orion and Flourish bring client cash into advisor workflows
Fintech bytes: Orion and Flourish bring client cash into advisor workflows

Plus, Asset-Map partners with Contio to elevate the advisor meeting experience, and MyVest claims an innovation in portfolio management with separately managed models.

SPONSORED Beyond wealth management: Why the future of advice is becoming more human

As technical expertise becomes increasingly commoditized, advisors who can integrate strategy, relationships, and specialized expertise into a cohesive client experience will define the next era of wealth management

SPONSORED Durability over scale: What actually defines a great advisory firm

Growth may get the headlines, but in my experience, longevity is earned through structure, culture, and discipline