Evolution of long-standing strategic partnership creates single full-service firm with robust U.S. Wealth business, integrating investment management, distribution and servicing capabilities

Expected net present value of the transaction estimated to be $1.9 billion¹

Wellington Management, one of the world’s leading independent investment managers, and The Hartford announced they have entered into a definitive agreement under which Wellington will acquire Hartford Funds, a leading provider of investment solutions for the wealth management market. Upon closing, Hartford Funds will be integrated into Wellington’s U.S. Wealth business and going forward the business will operate under the Wellington brand.

This transaction will allow Wellington to offer financial advisors and investors broader access to investment capabilities, a deeper distribution platform, and more integrated support across the U.S. wealth management landscape. This will be achieved by combining Wellington’s global institutional investment expertise with Hartford Funds’ established advisor relationships. This acquisition transforms the companies’ long-term, strategic partnership into a single, full-service firm that can deliver stronger outcomes for financial advisors and investors in the decades ahead. The combined organization will be a stronger independent investment manager well-positioned to compete as the industry continues to evolve.

Jean Hynes, CEO and managing partner at Wellington Management, said, “For more than 40 years, Wellington and Hartford Funds have partnered together in support of advisors and investors, and I’m excited about what this combination means for the future of both organizations. Wellington’s nearly century-long investment heritage is underscored by a deep commitment to supporting advisors, investors, and employees, and I know that the Hartford Funds team shares this commitment. Together, we are building on the strengths that have defined our relationship to reinforce our commitment to the U.S. wealth market through expanded access to investment capabilities, broader distribution reach, and enhanced resources for advisors and investors. I look forward to continuing to build on the strengths that have defined our partnership together in the years ahead.”

The Hartford’s Chairman and CEO Christopher Swift said, “We are proud of the strong advisor-centric fund company that we have built, powered by Wellington’s outstanding investment capabilities for many years. This transaction allows us to realize immediate and continued value for The Hartford’s shareholders and positions Hartford Funds’ exceptional people for ongoing success. This combination creates the ideal long-term home for Hartford Funds.”

A Four-Decade Strategic Partnership

Wellington and Hartford Funds share a deep partnership that spans more than four decades, built on a consistent focus of delivering strong outcomes for financial advisors and investors. The relationship began in 1978 and formally evolved in 1984 with the launch of a long-standing sub-advisory partnership across mutual funds. Since then, the partnership has broadened to include new capabilities such as ETFs and additional investment strategies, reflecting a shared commitment to innovation and growth. Today, Wellington sub-advises 83% of Hartford Funds’ approximately $160 billion in assets, supported by a 160-plus-person client-facing team with deep experience representing Wellington’s investment platform.

Strategic and Operational Benefits of Transaction

A Single, Integrated Full-Service Platform: The transaction will combine Wellington’s institutional investment expertise and nearly century-long investment heritage with Hartford Funds’ scaled advisor distribution platform and deep intermediary relationships. The result will be a stronger, strategically aligned U.S. wealth platform spanning investment management, distribution and servicing.
Expanded Capabilities and Solutions for Advisors and Investors: As a single, integrated platform, Wellington will provide advisors with broader access to investment strategies and solutions across mutual funds, ETFs, SMAs, models, and alternative investments, supported by deeper insights, expanded capabilities, and enhanced service resources designed to help advisors meet clients’ evolving needs.
Positioned for Long-Term Growth: By operating as a single full-service firm, Wellington will drive long-term growth across the wealth market through expanded access to investment capabilities, a scaled advisor distribution platform, and extended market reach. The combined organization will include approximately 200 client-facing professionals delivering broader solutions, more coordinated support, and a simpler, more cohesive experience for advisors and their clients.

Christina Kopec Rooney, head of U.S. Wealth at Wellington Management, commented, “This combination sharpens our competitive edge and value to advisors and our clients — uniting Wellington’s investment capabilities and global wealth and institutional experience with Hartford Funds’ U.S. distribution scale and trusted team. I am excited by our collective strengths and the potential to innovate and deliver world-class investment solutions, deeper insights, and expanded access to Wellington, including alternatives — a compelling union after decades of close partnership.”

Greg Frost, president of Hartford Funds, said, “Hartford Funds’ and Wellington’s partnership is rooted in shared values, organizational alignment and a focus on delivering investment excellence for advisors and investors. We are excited to become part of a single, integrated Wellington platform and believe this combination represents not only continuity for our clients and teams, but also a reaffirmation of our shared investment philosophy. We look forward to working together to build on our history and create new opportunities for growth and innovation.”

Transaction Terms

The net present value of the transaction is estimated to be $1.9 billion. Under the agreement, The Hartford will receive $300 million in cash at closing and additional payments based on the available after-tax cash generated by the combination of Hartford Funds’ business and Wellington’s business supporting Hartford Funds, including the sale of certain other Wellington-sponsored products in the U.S. wealth market, over 7 years² following the close of the transaction. The deal is expected to close in the first quarter of 2027, subject to regulatory and fund approvals.

Advisors

J.P. Morgan Securities LLC is acting as financial advisor to Wellington, with Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP acting as the company’s legal advisor. Goldman Sachs & Co. LLC is acting as financial advisor to The Hartford, with Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP as the company’s legal advisor.

Source: Wellington Management

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