Private equity firm ECI has acquired a minority stake in KB Associates, a professional services firm. KB Associates specialises in the provision of management company, governance and compliance services to investment funds and asset managers. The firm was founded in 2003 and has headquarters in Dublin, as well as a presence in London, New York and the Cayman Islands. Its 60 consultants work with over 230 asset management firms and support investment funds in excess of €225 billion (£201 billion). The investment by ECI will be used to help KB Associates grow its international presence and further enhance the services it offers. Mike Kirby, Managing Principal and Founder of KB Associates, will continue leading the business. He said: “We are confident that the investment funds industry will continue to thrive over the coming years. We also believe that the growing regulatory burden will drive increased demand for the specialist governance and compliance services we provide.” Michael Butler, Investment Director at ECI, added: “We are delighted to be partnering with Mike and his team to help them drive the next chapter of growth. We are attracted to ambitious growth businesses with strong market positions, inspirational management teams and strong culture. KB Associates ticks all those boxes.”
