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Acquisition
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2021
Business Combinations [Abstract]  
Acquisitions Acquisition
Portico
On December 16, 2021 (the "Portico Acquisition Date"), the Company, through its indirect wholly owned subsidiary, Cowen PC Acquisition LLC, completed its previously announced acquisition (the "Portico Acquisition") of Portico Capital Advisors and certain assets and liabilities of its European operations (“Portico”). Portico was privately-held and was a leading mergers and acquisitions advisory firm focused on the verticalized software, data, and analytics sectors. The Portico Acquisition was completed for a combination of 75% cash and 25% stock. In the aggregate, the purchase price, specified assets acquired and liabilities assumed were not significant and the near-term impact to the Company and its consolidated results of operations and cash flows is not expected to be significant.
The Portico Acquisition was accounted for under the acquisition method of accounting in accordance with US GAAP. Accordingly, the Portico assets purchased and liabilities assumed were recorded on the Company's books at fair value as of the Portico Acquisition Date, and Portico's post-acquisition results were included in the Company's consolidated financial statements.. The Company applied to withdraw Portico's status as a FINRA registered broker-dealer on December 20, 2021 which was approved by the SEC on February 18, 2022. Additionally, following the acquisition, the business acquired is included in the Investment Bank reporting unit within the Operating Company segment.
The aggregate estimated purchase price of the Portico Acquisition was $112.0 million. On the Portico Acquisition Date the Company paid upfront consideration of $91.3 million subject to certain net working capital and other customary adjustments, with additional maximum contingent consideration of $58.0 million that will become payable dependent on the achievement of certain milestones by Portico in each of the first three years (four years if certain conditions are met) following the Portico Acquisition Date subject to a $19.3 million maximum in each year and a $58.0 million cumulative maximum, with the opportunity for additional consideration payable in each of the fourth and fifth years following the Portico Acquisition Date upon the achievement of certain additional milestones. The Company estimated the contingent consideration at $20.7 million using a Monte Carlo valuation model which requires the Company to make estimates and assumptions regarding the future cash flows and profits. The contingent consideration liability is included within accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities on the consolidated statements of financial condition. Changes in these estimates and assumptions could have a significant impact on the amounts recognized. A portion of the preliminary purchase price was deposited into escrow, in the amount of $4.4 million, as a reserve for any future claims against the sellers of Portico. The upfront consideration and contingent consideration, consists of a combination of 75% cash and 25% shares of the Company's Class A common stock and the potential additional consideration payable in each
of the fourth and fifth years following the Portico Acquisition Date would be paid in cash. Shares issued on the Portico Acquisition Date of 586,061 were valued based on the 20-trading day volume-weighted average price per share of $37.11 as of December 13, 2021. The fair value of the shares of Class A common stock issued was determined on the basis of the closing market price of the Company's shares on the Portico Acquisition Date. Any shares of Class A common stock issued in connection with any such contingent payments will be valued based on the 20-trading day volume-weighted average price per share as of the date that in two business days immediately prior to the date on which such shares are to be issued.
In addition, Portico and the Company have established a retention bonus pool, for Portico employees that remain employed at the end of each year there is a contingent payment which will be settled in a combination of 75% cash and 25% shares of the Company's Class A common stock based on Portico meeting certain economic performance hurdles. Part of the award is time based (60%) and part is performance and time based (40%). The time based portion of the award is accrued within compensation payable in the accompanying consolidated statements of financial condition utilizing a graded vesting attribution method over the three year vesting period. The total consideration payable under the time based portion of the award is $6 million in aggregate, and will not exceed $3.6 million in any annual period if all service conditions are met. The performance based portion of the award is accrued within compensation payable in the accompanying consolidated statements of financial condition based on a Monte Carlo simulation of the probability that the performance hurdles are met for each discrete year. Updates to the accrual will be made at each reporting period. The total consideration payable will not exceed $4 million if each of the economic performance hurdles are met. The Company is recognizing the retention bonus over each contingent payment period based upon the Company's revenue projections for Portico. The aggregate bonus pool has an aggregate maximum of $10.0 million over a four-year period.
The table below summarizes the purchase price allocation of net tangible and intangible assets acquired and liabilities assumed as of December 16, 2021:
(dollars in thousands)
Cash$5,089 
Operating lease right-of-use assets2,707 
Fixed assets
Intangible assets19,900 
Other assets514 
Operating lease liabilities(2,707)
Other liabilities(401)
Total net identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed25,110 
Goodwill86,921 
Total estimated purchase price$112,031 
As of the Portico Acquisition Date, the estimated fair value of the Company's intangible assets, as acquired through the Portico Acquisition, was $19.9 million and had a weighted average useful life of 3.02 years. The allocation of the intangible assets is shown within the following table:
 Estimated intangible assets acquiredEstimated average remaining useful lives
(dollars in thousands)(in years)
Intangible asset class
Trade name $400 1
Customer relationships13,400 4
Backlog6,100 1
Total intangible assets$19,900 
Amortization expense for the year ended December 31, 2021 was $0.4 million, and is included in depreciation and amortization in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations. The estimated amortization expense related to these intangible assets in future periods is as follows:
 (dollars in thousands)
2022$9,579 
20233,350 
20243,350 
20253,210 
2026— 
Thereafter— 
$19,489 
In addition to the purchase price consideration, for the year ended December 31, 2021, the Company had incurred acquisition-related expenses of $4.2 million, including financial advisory, legal and valuation services, which are included in professional, advisory and other fees in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations.
Malta Holdings
On February 26, 2021 (the "Malta Holdings Acquisition Date"), the Company, through its indirect wholly owned subsidiary, Cowen Malta Holdings Ltd. (“Malta Holdings”), completed the acquisition of all of the outstanding equity interest of Axeria Insurance Limited (the “Acquisition”), an insurance company organized under the laws of Malta whose principal business activity is to provide insurance coverage to third parties (see Note 22). Axeria Insurance Limited was renamed Cowen Insurance Company Ltd (“Cowen Insurance Co”) upon acquisition. The Acquisition was completed for a combination of cash and deferred consideration. In the aggregate, the purchase price, assets acquired, and liabilities assumed were not significant and near-term impact to the Company and its consolidated results of operations and cash flows is not expected to be significant.
The aggregate estimated purchase price of the Acquisition was $12.7 million. On the Malta Holdings Acquisition Date, the Company paid upfront consideration of $12.5 million, with additional deferred consideration of $0.2 million which was paid during the second quarter of 2021.
The Acquisition was accounted for under the acquisition method of accounting in accordance with US GAAP. As such, the results of operations of the business acquired is included in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations since the date of the Acquisition and the assets acquired, liabilities assumed recorded at their fair values within their respective line items on the accompanying consolidated statement of financial condition. The Company has recognized a bargain purchase gain of $5.2 million related to the Acquisition and is shown net of associated tax of $1.3 million in the consolidated statement of operations. The bargain purchase gain is primarily driven by the recognition of the customer relationships intangible asset and a contractual discount on the closing equity balance at the Malta Holdings Acquisition Date. Additionally, following the Acquisition, the business acquired is included in the Cowen Investment Management reporting unit within the Operating Company segment.
The table below summarizes the purchase price allocation of net tangible and intangible assets acquired and liabilities assumed as of February 26, 2021:
(dollars in thousands)
Cash$14,844 
Securities owned, at fair value1,571 
Fixed assets30 
Intangible assets4,794 
Other assets12,828 
Compensation payable(17)
Other liabilities(16,099)
Total net identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed17,951 
Bargain purchase gain(5,216)
Total estimated purchase price$12,735 
As of the Malta Holdings Acquisition Date, the estimated fair value of the Company's intangible assets, which are primarily broker relationships, was $4.6 million and had a weighted average useful life of 10 years. The licenses of $0.2 million has indefinite life. Amortization expense for the year ended December 31, 2021 was $0.3 million.
As of December 31, 2021, the estimated amortization expense related to these intangible assets in future periods is as follows:
 (dollars in thousands)
2022458 
2023458 
2024458 
2025458 
2026458 
Thereafter2,124 
$4,414 
In addition to the purchase price consideration, for the year ended December 31, 2021, the Company had incurred acquisition-related expenses of $0.2 million, including financial advisory, legal and valuation services, which are included in professional, advisory and other fees in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations.
MHT
On October 1, 2020 (the "MHT Acquisition Date"), the Company, through its indirect wholly owned subsidiary, Cowen and Company, completed its previously announced acquisition (the "MHT Acquisition") of certain assets and liabilities of MHT Partners, LP (“MHT Partners”). MHT Partners was an investment bank, based primarily in Dallas and San Francisco, focused on representing innovative companies in growing markets. The Acquisition was completed for a combination of cash and contingent consideration. In the aggregate, the purchase price, specified assets acquired and liabilities assumed were not significant and near-term impact to the Company and its consolidated results of operations and cash flows is not expected to be significant.
The MHT Acquisition was accounted for under the acquisition method of accounting in accordance with US GAAP. As such, results of operations for the MHT Acquisition are included in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations since the Acquisition Date, and the assets acquired and liabilities assumed were recorded at their fair value as of the Acquisition Date. Subsequent to the Acquisition, the operations of the MHT Acquisition were integrated within the Company's existing businesses. Additionally, following the acquisition, the business acquired from MHT Partners is included in the Investment Bank reporting unit within the Operating Company segment.
The aggregate estimated purchase price of the MHT Acquisition was $9.9 million. On the acquisition date, the Company paid an upfront consideration of $5.7 million, with additional contingent consideration to be paid after December 2023 valued based on a multiple of three-year average annual revenues of the acquired business less certain expenses. The Company estimated the fair value of the contingent consideration at $4.2 million using a combination of Monte Carlo and Discounted Cash Flow methods which require the Company to make estimates and assumptions regarding the future cash flows and profits. The contingent consideration liability is included within accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities on the consolidated statements of financial condition. Changes in these estimates and assumptions could have a significant impact on the amounts recognized. In addition, the Company has established deferred compensation for specified previous MHT Partners employees which will be settled in cash over a three-year period.
The table below summarizes the purchase price allocation of net tangible and intangible assets acquired and liabilities assumed as of October 1, 2020:
(dollars in thousands)
Fixed assets$101 
Operating lease right-of-use assets1,120 
Intangible assets1,224 
Other assets43 
Compensation payable(533)
Operating lease liabilities(1,446)
Total net identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed509 
Goodwill9,356 
Total estimated purchase price$9,865 
As of the MHT Acquisition Date, the estimated fair value of the Company's intangible assets, as acquired through the MHT Acquisition, was $1.2 million and had a weighted average useful life of 4.17 years . The allocation of the intangible assets is shown within the following table:
 Estimated intangible assets acquiredEstimated average remaining useful lives
(dollars in thousands)(in years)
Intangible asset class
Trade name $131 3
Customer relationships749 4
Non-compete agreements 344 5
Total intangible assets$1,224 
Amortization expense for the year ended December 31, 2021 and 2020 was $0.3 million and $0.1 million, respectively, and is included in depreciation and amortization in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations. The estimated amortization expense related to these intangible assets in future periods is as follows:
 (dollars in thousands)
2022$300 
2023289 
2024209 
202552 
2026— 
Thereafter— 
$850 
In addition to the purchase price consideration, for the year ended December 31, 2020, the Company had incurred acquisition-related expenses of $0.8 million, including financial advisory, legal and valuation services, which are included in professional, advisory and other fees in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations.
Quarton
On January 2, 2019 (the "Quarton Acquisition Date"), the Company, together with its indirect wholly owned subsidiaries, Cowen International Ltd and Cowen QN Acquisition LLC, completed its previously announced acquisition (the "Quarton Acquisition") of Quarton International AG through the acquisition of all of the outstanding equity interest of Quarton International AG's affiliated combining companies, Quarton Management AG, Quarton International Europe AG, Quarton Partners, LLC and Quarton Securities GP, LLC (which owns a formerly U.S. Securities Exchange Commission ("SEC") registered broker-dealer that was subsequently renamed to Cowen Securities L.P. ("Cowen Securities") comprising the U.S. and European operations of the acquired combining companies (collectively "Quarton"). Quarton was a group of leading global financial advisory companies serving the middle market. Quarton's operations were primarily conducted through eight entities based in the United States, Switzerland, and Germany.
The Quarton Acquisition was accounted for under the acquisition method of accounting in accordance with US GAAP. As such, results of operations for Quarton are included in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations since the Quarton Acquisition Date, and the assets acquired and liabilities assumed were recorded at their fair value as of the Quarton Acquisition Date. Subsequent to the Quarton Acquisition, the operations of Quarton were integrated within the Company's existing businesses.
The aggregate estimated purchase price of the Quarton Acquisition was $103.0 million. On the Quarton Acquisition Date the Company paid upfront consideration of $75.3 million subject to certain net working capital and other customary adjustments, with additional maximum contingent consideration of $40.0 million that will become payable dependent on the achievement of certain milestones by Quarton in each of the first four years (five years if certain conditions are met) following the Quarton Acquisition Date subject to a $10 million maximum in each year and a $40.0 million cumulative maximum. The Company estimated the contingent consideration at $27.7 million using a combination of Monte Carlo and Discounted Cash Flow methods which require the Company to make estimates and assumptions regarding the future cash flows and profits.
As of the Quarton Acquisition Date, the estimated fair value of the Company's intangible assets, as acquired through the Quarton Acquisition, was $22.2 million and had a weighted average useful life of 2.8 years. Amortization expense for the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020, and 2019 was $2.6 million, $8.9 million and $8.9 million, respectively, and is included in depreciation and amortization in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations.
In addition to the purchase price consideration, for the year ended December 31, 2019, the Company had incurred acquisition-related expenses of $1.2 million, including financial advisory, legal and valuation services, which are included in professional, advisory and other fees in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations.