Guardian Capital Secures Court Approval for $68 Per Share Acquisition

Guardian Capital Group Limited has received final court approval for a significant acquisition plan, marking a pivotal moment in its corporate strategy. On October 28, 2025, the Ontario Superior Court of Justice (Commercial List) granted a final order approving the arrangement under the Business Corporations Act (Ontario). This plan allows Desjardins Global Asset Management Inc., an affiliate of Desjardins Group, to acquire all issued and outstanding common shares and Class A shares of Guardian for C$68.00 per share in cash.

The approval follows a special meeting held on October 23, 2025, where shareholders overwhelmingly supported the arrangement. This decisive vote underscores strong shareholder confidence in the proposed transaction, which is set to enhance Guardian’s position in the investment management sector.

Details of the Arrangement and Next Steps

Completion of the arrangement is still contingent upon meeting certain closing conditions outlined in the arrangement agreement signed on August 28, 2025. These include obtaining necessary regulatory approvals, particularly under the Competition Act of Canada. If all conditions are satisfied or waived, the transaction is anticipated to close in the first half of 2026.

Guardian Capital Group, founded in 1962, is a global investment management firm servicing institutional, retail, and private clients through its subsidiaries. As of June 30, 2025, the company managed C$164.1 billion in total client assets and held a proprietary investment portfolio valued at C$1.25 billion. Its shares are traded on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbols GCG and GCG.A.

Forward-Looking Statements and Considerations

This announcement contains forward-looking information, which may relate to Guardian’s future outlook, including expected financial performance and strategic growth. It is essential to recognize that such information is based on various estimates and assumptions, and actual results may differ significantly from these projections. Factors influencing this variance may include market conditions, regulatory changes, and overall economic factors.

The leadership at Guardian emphasizes that while it expects the investment fund and wealth management industries to remain stable, unforeseen developments could affect the outcome of this arrangement. Stakeholders are encouraged to consider the outlined risks, including potential delays in regulatory approvals and market fluctuations, which could impact the completion of the acquisition.

For further details, investors and media representatives may contact Guardian Capital’s Investor Relations team or reach out to designated media contacts.

Guardian Capital is dedicated to maintaining transparency and providing timely updates as developments unfold. The company remains committed to its core values of authenticity, integrity, stability, and trustworthiness, which have been instrumental in its growth over the past six decades.