Sagard, Baird Partner to Expand Alternatives in U.S. Wealth Channel

Sagard and Baird have unveiled a strategic partnership that links the Canadian alternative asset manager with the Wisconsin-based financial services firm through both an equity investment and a distribution agreement. 

As part of the deal, Baird has acquired a minority equity stake in Montreal-based Sagard, becoming the firm’s first U.S. institutional shareholder. The partnership enables Baird to distribute Sagard’s investment strategies across its $350 billion Private Wealth Management network, while both firms work together on advisor engagement, product innovation, and long-term ecosystem growth. 

“This partnership with Baird is a pivotal step in our strategy to enter the U.S. wealth channel with an organization whose network and values closely complement our own,” said Paul Desmarais III, Chairman and CEO of Sagard. 

Baird Chairman and CEO Steve Booth underscored the alignment: “Partnering with Sagard strengthens our ability to deliver distinctive investment opportunities to our clients and gives us important exposure to the continued growth of alternative assets.” 

Both firms will also collaborate on new U.S.-tailored strategies, supported by a dedicated wholesaling team and integrated through the CAIS platform. In addition, the firms expect to leverage their combined global networks to explore broader opportunities both inside and outside wealth management. 

Sagard currently oversees more than $32 billion in assets across venture capital, private equity, private credit, and real estate, with 150 portfolio companies worldwide. Founded in 1919, Baird manages over $525 billion in client assets as of June 30, 2025.