Asset management and
investment
The asset management activities - Robeco Group, Sarasin, Schretlen
Co and Alex - achieved an increase in net profit of 28%, or
EUR 223 (174) million. This significant increase is mainly due to
a strong cash flow of EUR 6 billion and the positive investment
climate during the year under review. Robeco's improved
investment performance was an important contributor to the
positive inflow of assets, part of which was from institutional
clients in Europe. Apart from this, Harbor Capital Advisors, an
American Robeco subsidiary, contributed a large part of cash flow.
Robeco, Sarasin, Schretlen Co and Alex
With the interests acquired by Robeco in Analytic
Investment Management, of Belgium, and - in the begin
ning of 2007 - Sustainable Asset Management Group, of
Switzerland, Robeco expanded its investment expertise
further. Alex likewise had an excellent year 2006, in
terms of growth in client numbers, number of orders
handled and assets managed. Thanks in part to good
collaboration with local Rabobanks, Schretlen Co
succeeded in producing strong growth of its customer
base. By exercising its call option, Rabobank increased
its voting share in Sarasin from 16% to 69% at the end of
December 2006. Sarasin is a leading Swiss private bank
and asset manager.
Strategy and targets
46 Rabobank Group Annual Report 2006
Offer high-quality services to all types of
investment clients.
Strengthen Rabobank Group's position in the
market for wealthy individuals.
Consolidate the position and selective enlargement
of the distribution network abroad.
Broaden the range of innovative products and
services.
- 60% of the investment funds of Robeco Group
to exceed the benchmark.
- Annual net profit growth of 10 to 15%.
