Victory Capital launched a sharp counterattack Monday against activist investor Nelson Peltz and his firm Trian, defending its massive $8.6 billion bid for asset management company Janus Henderson.
The San Antonio-based investment firm accused Trian of conducting “efforts to blanket market with misinformation” regarding Victory’s enhanced offer for Janus Henderson.
Victory Capital claimed that recent media coverage suggesting Janus employees and clients oppose the Victory transaction represents an attempt to “manufacture uncertainty” about whether the deal can successfully close.
The heated exchange comes after Trian, which holds the largest ownership position in Janus with a 20.7% stake, expressed concerns Friday about Victory’s improved bid. Trian’s objections pose a challenge to Victory’s proposal, which is competing directly against Trian’s own plan to take the company private.
When contacted by Reuters for a response to Victory’s accusations, Trian did not provide immediate comment.
