Victory Capital Responds to Janus Henderson Special Committee's Continued Lack of Substantive Engagement Regarding Fully Financed, Actionable and Clearly Superior Proposal
MWN-AI** Summary
Victory Capital Holdings, Inc. has publicly expressed its frustration regarding the Janus Henderson Group plc Special Committee's refusal to engage meaningfully with its outstanding acquisition proposal. This proposal is considered "fully financed, actionable, and clearly superior" to the deal Janus Henderson is pursuing with Trian Partners. Victory Capital argues that the current transaction with Trian, labeled an inferior choice, does not reflect the best interests of Janus Henderson's shareholders.
In a recent statement, Victory Capital emphasized that the Janus Henderson Special Committee is acting as fiduciaries and is obligated to assess all superior alternatives for shareholder benefit. They criticized the committee for what they called a lack of substantive engagement, noting that their only communication over four months comprised a brief 32-minute call arranged at the end of the decision-making process. This engagement was characterized as perfunctory, lacking discussion on pivotal operational and financial matters.
Victory Capital has highlighted its proven track record in acquiring and integrating investment firms while preserving brand integrity and client relationships. They assert that their proposed transaction would bring substantial benefits, enhancing competitive advantages in the asset management landscape.
Moreover, despite the Special Committee's dismissive attitude, Victory Capital remains resolute in pursuing this acquisition, claiming it can provide a detailed execution plan and has secured financing from reputable global banks. They are confident that, given the opportunity to engage meaningfully, shareholders will favor their proposal, ultimately creating a more robust financial entity.
In sum, Victory Capital's assertive stance seeks to challenge Janus Henderson's current strategic direction, urging the Special Committee to reconsider its commitment to Trian over a potentially more lucrative alternative that aligns with shareholder interests.
MWN-AI** Analysis
Victory Capital's recent statement on its engagement with Janus Henderson's Special Committee highlights significant concerns for investors in both companies. Victory Capital's insistence on its "fully financed, actionable and clearly superior proposal" raises the stakes for Janus Henderson shareholders, who may face a wasted opportunity to secure a more favorable deal.
From a market perspective, the failure of Janus Henderson's Special Committee to properly evaluate Victory Capital's proposal can be seen as both a risk and a potential opportunity. The ongoing support for a deal with Trian, perceived as an inferior transaction by Victory Capital, poses a risk to shareholders who might be forced to accept reduced value for their shares. Investors ought to be vigilant as the dynamics of corporate governance and acquisition negotiations unfold. The disparity in engagement—highlighted by a mere 32-minute discuss—raises questions about the adequacy of due diligence undertaken by Janus Henderson's board.
Victory Capital's strong track record of managing successful acquisitions provides an argument for why investors might reconsider their positions in Janus Henderson. If Victory Capital can effectively communicate its strategy and garner support from Janus Henderson’s constituents, we could see a significant shift in market sentiment.
For shareholders, the advice is to closely monitor developments. The market could react positively to any renewed efforts by Victory Capital to engage with Janus Henderson or to further solid proposals that clearly demonstrate benefits to shareholders. Additionally, investors should prepare for potential volatility in share prices as this transaction evolves and could consider reevaluating their positions based on new information or outcomes from the Special Committee's decisions.
In conclusion, active engagement and vigilance will be key for investors as they navigate through these negotiations and their implications for shareholder value.
**MWN-AI Summary and Analysis is based on asking OpenAI to summarize and analyze this news release.
Special Committee Continues to Support Deal with Trian Rather Than Maximizing Value for Shareholders
Real Risk to Shareholders is Being Forced to Accept a Lower Price and Preserve Transaction with Insider
Purported “Engagement” Consisted of One 32-Minute Interaction Only at the End of Special Committee’s Review
Victory Capital Remains Fully Committed to Pursuing Compelling Transaction
Victory Capital Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ: VCTR) (“Victory Capital” or the “Company”) today issued the following statement in response to the decision by the Special Committee of the Board of Directors of Janus Henderson Group plc (NYSE: JHG) (“Janus Henderson”) not to engage substantively with Victory Capital regarding its fully financed, actionable and clearly superior proposal:
“As fiduciaries, the Janus Henderson Special Committee must objectively evaluate superior alternatives for the benefit of all of its shareholders. The Special Committee has continued to support an inferior transaction with Trian, a financial buyer and company insider. The issues cited by the Special Committee to support its decision could be addressed through substantive engagement, and Victory Capital remains fully committed to pursuing this compelling opportunity.
Since Victory Capital submitted its first superior proposal in November 2025, the Special Committee’s sole “engagement” with Victory Capital over the past four months has merely consisted of a single 32-minute conversation with members of Victory Capital’s management team that was hastily scheduled at the end of the Special Committee’s review. The Special Committee provided no agenda for the call and requested that no advisors be included. The call was perfunctory, and the Special Committee was unwilling to meaningfully explore the operational, financial or transaction-specific considerations that it now cites as the basis for rejecting our proposal.
Victory Capital has a long track record of acquiring and successfully integrating investment management businesses while preserving investment autonomy, client continuity and brand strength. We have been clear that we intend to retain Janus Henderson’s investment talent, maintain the brand and minimize disruption for clients and employees. When Victory Capital has the opportunity to engage with Janus Henderson’s clients and employees, we are confident that they will see the benefits of the combined, global investment management business, which will have exceptional diversification, product and distribution capabilities and be better positioned to compete at scale against the largest asset managers in the world. We have doubts about whether the engagement with clients and employees cited by the Special Committee without our involvement reflects the superior value and long-term competitive positioning for Janus Henderson’s business, employees and clients.
We have also structured our proposal with a practical path to closing and are prepared to provide the Special Committee with detailed execution planning when given the opportunity to do so. Despite the lack of meaningful engagement to date and any ability to conduct due diligence, we have fully committed financing from two of the most reputable global banks.
When provided with the opportunity, we are confident that Janus Henderson shareholders will overwhelmingly vote in favor of Victory Capital’s transaction and satisfy the standard for approving a merger under Jersey law.
We remain fully committed to pursuing this compelling transaction.”
PJT Partners is serving as financial advisor to Victory Capital and Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP is serving as legal advisor.
About Victory Capital
Victory Capital (NASDAQ: VCTR) is a diversified global asset management firm with $323.2 billion in total client assets, as of January 31, 2026. We serve institutional, intermediary, and individual clients through our Investment Franchises and Solutions Platform, which manage specialized investment strategies across traditional and alternative asset classes. Our differentiated approach combines the power of investment autonomy with the support of a robust, fully integrated operational and distribution platform. Clients have access to focused, top-tier investment talent equipped with comprehensive resources designed to deliver competitive long-term performance.
Victory Capital is headquartered in San Antonio, Texas. To learn more, visit www.vcm.com or follow us on Facebook , Twitter (X) , and LinkedIn .
Forward-Looking Statements
This communication contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of applicable U.S. federal and non-U.S. securities laws. These statements may include, without limitation, any statements preceded by, followed by or including words such as “target,” “believe,” “expect,” “aim,” “intend,” “may,” “anticipate,” “assume,” “budget,” “continue,” “estimate,” “future,” “objective,” “outlook,” “plan,” “potential,” “predict,” “project,” “will,” “can have,” “likely,” “should,” “would,” “could” and other words and terms of similar meaning or the negative thereof and include, but are not limited to, statements regarding the outlook for Victory Capital Holdings, Inc.’s (“Victory Capital”) future business and financial performance. Such forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other important factors beyond Victory Capital’s control and could cause Victory Capital’s actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from the expected results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. All statements, other than historical facts, including statements regarding the ultimate outcome of discussions between Victory Capital and Janus Henderson Group plc (“Janus Henderson”), including the possibilities that Victory Capital will not pursue a transaction with Janus Henderson or that Janus Henderson will reject a transaction with Victory Capital; the ability of the parties to complete a transaction when expected or at all; the risk that the conditions to the closing of any proposed transaction, including receipt of required regulatory approvals, client consents and approval of Victory Capital’s or Janus Henderson’s stockholders, are not satisfied in a timely manner or at all; potential litigation related to any proposed transaction; the risk that disruption from the proposed transaction adversely affects the respective businesses and operations of Victory Capital and Janus Henderson; the expected benefits of any proposed transaction, such as expected revenue, EBITDA, EBITDA margin, and/or synergies, efficiencies or cost savings; growth potential of Victory Capital, Janus Henderson or a potentially combined company; diversified product offerings and expanded distribution; market profile and financial strength, including near term and long-term value for shareholders, and opportunities for long-term growth and value creation; potential adverse reactions or changes to client and other business relationships resulting from the announcement, pendency or completion of the transaction; the ability to retain key employees; the competitive ability and position of Victory Capital, Janus Henderson or a potentially combined company; the ability to effectively and efficiently integrate the companies; future plans and investments; and any assumptions underlying any of the foregoing, are forward-looking statements. Factors that may affect the future results of Victory Capital are set forth in Victory Capital’s filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”), including Victory Capital’s most recently filed Annual Report on Form 10-K, subsequent Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, Current Reports on Form 8-K and other filings with the SEC, which are available on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov . The risks and uncertainties described above and in Victory Capital’s most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K and Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q are not exclusive and further information concerning Victory Capital and its business, including factors that potentially could materially affect Victory Capital’s business, financial condition or operating results, may emerge from time to time. Readers are urged to consider these factors carefully in evaluating these forward-looking statements, and not to place undue reliance on any forward-looking statements. Readers should also carefully review the risk factors described in other documents that Victory Capital files from time to time with the SEC. The forward-looking statements in these materials speak only as of the date of these materials. Except as required by law, Victory Capital assumes no obligation to update or revise these forward-looking statements for any reason, even if new information becomes available in the future.
No Offer or Solicitation
This communication does not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy any securities or a solicitation of any vote or approval, nor shall there be any sale of securities in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such jurisdiction. No offer of securities shall be made except by means of a prospectus meeting the requirements of Section 10 of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.
Additional Information and Where to Find It
This communication relates to a proposal which Victory Capital has made to the Special Committee of Janus Henderson’s Board of Directors for an acquisition of Janus Henderson. In furtherance of this proposal and subject to future developments, Victory Capital (and, if a negotiated transaction is agreed, Janus Henderson) may file one or more registration statements, proxy statements, tender offer statements or other documents with the SEC. This communication is not a substitute for any proxy statement, registration statement, tender offer statement, prospectus or other document Victory Capital and/or Janus Henderson may file with the SEC in connection with the proposed transactions.
INVESTORS AND SECURITY HOLDERS OF VICTORY CAPITAL AND JANUS HENDERSON ARE URGED TO READ ANY PROXY STATEMENT(S), REGISTRATION STATEMENT(S), TENDER OFFER STATEMENT, PROSPECTUS AND ANY OTHER RELEVANT DOCUMENTS FILED WITH THE SEC CAREFULLY IN THEIR ENTIRETY IF AND WHEN THEY BECOME AVAILABLE BECAUSE THEY WILL CONTAIN IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT VICTORY CAPITAL, JANUS HENDERSON AND THE PROPOSED TRANSACTION. Any definitive proxy statement(s) or prospectus(es) (if and when available) will be mailed to stockholders of Victory Capital and/or Janus Henderson, as applicable. Investors and security holders will be able to obtain copies of these documents (if and when available) and other documents filed with the SEC by Victory Capital free of charge through the website maintained by the SEC at www.sec.gov . Copies of the documents filed by Victory Capital (if and when available) will also be made available free of charge by accessing Victory Capital’s website at www.vcm.com .
Certain Information Regarding Participants
This communication is neither a solicitation of a proxy nor a substitute for any proxy statement or other filings that may be made with the SEC. Nonetheless, Victory Capital and its directors and certain of its executive officers and other members of management and employees may be deemed, under SEC rules, to be participants in the solicitation of proxies in respect of any proposed transaction. Security holders may obtain information regarding the names, affiliations and interests of such individuals in Victory Capital’s definitive proxy statement for the 2025 annual meeting of stockholders, which was filed with the SEC on March 28, 2025 and certain of its Current Reports on Form 8-K. Additional information regarding the interests of such individuals in the proposed transaction will be included in one or more registration statements, proxy statements, tender offer statements or other documents filed with the SEC if and when they become available. These documents (if and when available) may be obtained free of charge from the SEC’s website http://www.sec.gov and Victory Capital’s website at www.vcm.com .
View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260311882932/en/
Investors:
Matthew Dennis, CFA
Chief of Staff
Director, Investor Relations
216-898-2412
mdennis@vcm.com
Media:
Andy Brimmer / Richard M. Goldman / Maggie Carangelo
Joele Frank, Wilkinson Brimmer Katcher
(212) 355-4449
VictoryCapitalMedia@Joelefrank.com
OR
Jessica Davila
Director, Global Communications
210-694-9693
jessica_davila@vcm.com
FAQ**
How does Victory Capital plan to address the concerns raised by the Janus Henderson Group plc JHG Special Committee regarding the potential integration of their investment management businesses?
What specific actions can Victory Capital take to convince Janus Henderson Group plc JHG shareholders that their proposal offers superior long-term value compared to the deal with Trian?
What factors contributed to the Janus Henderson Group plc JHG Special Committee's decision to support the transaction with Trian over Victory Capital’s proposal?
How might Victory Capital enhance engagement with Janus Henderson Group plc JHG stakeholders to demonstrate the benefits of its acquisition proposal?
**MWN-AI FAQ is based on asking OpenAI questions about Janus Henderson Group plc (NYSE: JHG).
NASDAQ: JHG
JHG Trading
-1.71% G/L:
$50.48 Last:
1,840,603 Volume:
$50.84 Open:
