Japanese banking giant Nomura is set to acquire a 41 per cent stake in American Century Investments from CIBC for $1 billion.

In an agreement signed yesterday, the transition of the non-controlling stake via a wholly-owned subsidiary of Nomura will close in the first half of 2016 following regulatory approval.

The deal will give Nomura access and leverage to the privately-held investment management firm’s asset management capabilities, as well as providing investment solutions for its retail and institutional clients around the globe with an expanded footprint in the US market.

Kansas City, Missouri-based American Century will benefit from Nomura’s position as a key player in Asia, as well as broadening non-US distribution of its products and services. As part of the transaction, Nomura will appoint two representatives to American Century’s 11-strong board of directors and receive a 10.1 per cent voting interest.

“Nomura’s relationship with American Century will bring value to both firms and the deal represents Nomura’s continuing ambition to put clients at the center of everything it does while connecting markets east and west,” said the firm’s chief executive, Koji Nagai.

American Century was established in 1958, offering actively-managed investment capabilities globally. It distributes 40 per cent of its profits to non-profit organisation Stowers Institute for Medical Research.

CIBC will remain a client of American Century following its four-year partnership with the firm.