Schroders, one of Britain’s longest-established asset management firms, has agreed to a £9.9 billion takeover by US investment manager Nuveen, marking a significant moment for the City of London and the global funds industry.

The recommended deal, announced this week, has received backing from Schroders’ board and represents one of the most notable cross-border transactions in the European asset management sector in recent years. If approved by shareholders and regulators, the agreement would see the British firm become part of Nuveen’s global investment platform.

Founded more than two centuries ago, Schroders has long been regarded as a cornerstone of the UK financial services industry. The company manages assets on behalf of institutional and retail investors worldwide and has maintained a strong presence in London’s financial district. The takeover would bring that legacy under the ownership of a US-based group that has been expanding its international footprint.

Nuveen, which operates as the asset management arm of a major American financial institution, has grown steadily in recent years through acquisitions and international partnerships. The proposed combination is expected to strengthen its position in active investment strategies and broaden its reach in European and Asian markets.

The transaction reflects broader trends reshaping the global asset management landscape. Firms have faced mounting competitive pressures from low-cost passive investment products, rising operational costs, and increasing regulatory requirements. Scale has become a defining factor, with larger managers often better positioned to absorb costs and invest in technology.

For the UK market, the sale highlights ongoing consolidation in financial services and the continued interest of US buyers in established British institutions. While company executives have indicated that London will remain an important hub for the combined business, the deal nonetheless represents the end of Schroders’ long-standing independence.

Regulatory review and shareholder approval remain key steps before the transaction can be completed. Until then, both firms are expected to operate separately while preparing for integration planning.

The outcome will be closely watched across the industry, not only for its financial implications but also for what it signals about the evolving ownership structure of prominent UK financial institutions in a globalized market.