Orix to acquire Robeco

Japan's top financial services and leasing company is paying US$3 billion for the Dutch asset manager.

Orix Corporation is in final talks to buy Robeco from Rabobank and an announcement could be made as early as this week. Orix President Makoto Inoue said two years ago that his company is looking to buy an asset-management firm or an investment bank.

Orix has long been active in overseas investments. The company operates in investment banking, venture capital, life insurance, and in the financing of real-estate development. It is also entering niche markets, such as environment and energy related businesses.

Orix's pursuit of Robeco follows a shopping spree by Japanese financial institutions for overseas assets, particularly European companies trying to stiffen their balance sheets.