Specialist asset manager Gresham House today released a trading statement that should have its investors feeling bullish. The company said that last year its assets under management had increased over 20 percent to £2.75 billion.

The firm also reports the successful integration of the FIM and Livingbridge acquisitions of 2018. The acquisition of Livingbridge VC in November 2018 was expected to be immediately earnings enhancing and boost its operating margin to a target of 40 percent. The deal was worth £30 million with extra cash available once certain performance targets are hit.

The acquisition of FIM Services in the same year seems part of Gresham’s plan to bolster its environmental, social and governance (ESG) offering. The deal, worth £25 million, saw Gresham gain control of sustainable forestry and renewable energy assets, a good fit for the alternatives manager.

Gresham House said in its statement to the markets that despite a background of a ‘volatile wider market’, the investment performance of its equity funds products has ‘been pleasing’.

It continued by stating that the company is performing in line with both its board and crucially market expectations.

The firm also reports that it has raised the £200 million outlined in the prospectus for its closed-ended fund, the Gresham House Energy Storage Fund.

Tony Dalwood, chief executive of Gresham House, said: "We have continued to deliver against our strategic priorities; growing organically, integrating acquisitions, and using our balance sheet effectively to develop the business and align with the interests of our clients.

“Gresham House is well positioned to benefit from the increasing focus on impact and sustainable investments and, alongside the strong performance of many of our products, we are excited for 2020 and beyond."

The firm is set to publish its full financial results for 2019 on 5 March.