Fisher Funds has announced it will establish a private equity team to further build its client offering and invest in and support successful New Zealand businesses.

“We know there is a real interest from our clients in private markets as an option to provide them with enhanced returns. With more than 1,000 private companies in New Zealand valued at $20m-100m there is a rich opportunity for our clients to invest in successful businesses, capitalise on their growth and put money back into the local economy."

“We are excited to boost the capabilities of our market-leading investment team. As Fisher Funds grows, we will continue to be relentless in how we add value to clients, enhance our investment capabilities and add depth to our advice and digital offerings,” said Ashley Gardyne, Chief Investment Officer at Fisher Funds.

Leading this new client offering is Michael Walmsley who has been appointed as Head of Private Markets. For the last seven years he has been leading Jarden’s principal investments business and prior to that, Michael worked at Macquarie Group in London and Sydney.

“Michael brings more than 15 years’ experience investing in private businesses, a long-term mindset and significant transactional, financial and governance experience across a range of industries. Earlier this year, Michael and his team at Jarden advised Fisher Funds on its investment in Lodestone Energy – New Zealand’s largest utility scale solar operator,” said Mr Gardyne.

Michael will be joined by Investment Associate Jennifer Chee who has more than 10 years industry experience, half of that in direct investing and advisory. She has recently worked at Jarden with Michael Walmsley and prior to that worked in Direct Investments at NZ Super.