Key Takeaways
- NatWest Group (NWG) is reportedly nearing the acquisition of wealth management firm Evelyn Partners, valued at an estimated £2 billion to £2.5 billion, after outbidding rival Barclays (BARC) in a competitive auction.
- The takeover would significantly bolster NatWest's existing wealth management capabilities, particularly within its Coutts banking division.
- Evelyn Partners, currently owned by private equity firms Permira and Warburg Pincus, manages approximately £67 billion in assets as of September 2025.
NatWest Edges Closer to Evelyn Partners Acquisition
NatWest Group (NWG) is reportedly on the verge of acquiring leading wealth management group Evelyn Partners, successfully navigating a hotly contested auction that saw off competition from Barclays (BARC). The deal is anticipated to be valued in the range of £2 billion to £2.5 billion.
The acquisition represents a strategic move for NatWest, aiming to significantly enhance its footprint in the lucrative wealth management sector. This expansion would particularly strengthen its Coutts private banking arm, aligning with CEO Paul Thwaite's stated interest in "sensibly priced and strategically attractive" acquisitions following the bank's return to full private sector ownership.
Evelyn Partners, which held approximately £67 billion in assets under management (AUM) as of September 30, 2025, has been a target for several major financial institutions. The firm is currently under the ownership of private equity giants Permira and Warburg Pincus, who oversaw its rebranding in 2022 after the 2020 merger of Tilney and Smith & Williamson. The auction process for Evelyn Partners was managed by investment banking firm Evercore, with bids reportedly due by February 5, 2026.
Hungarian Prime Minister's Invitation to "Council of Peace"
Regarding the headline "HUNGARIAN PRIME MINISTER SAYS HE HAS RECEIVED AN INVITATION TO ATTEND THE 'COUNCIL OF PEACE' MEETING SCHEDULED IN WASHINGTON IN TWO WEEKS," current public search results do not provide specific details or corroborating reports about such a meeting involving the Hungarian Prime Minister in Washington within the specified timeframe. Historical references to "World Council of Peace" or general discussions of peace and security councils were found, but no immediate, relevant news confirming this particular event as of February 7, 2026.
Ed Liston is a senior contributing editor at TheStockMarketWatch.com. An active market watcher and investor, Ed guides an independent team of experienced analysts and writes for multiple stock trader publications.