History

The AVI Global Trust plc (“AGT”) was established in 1889 in order to generate profits for its shareholders by investing in the shares of other companies. In 1985, Asset Value Investors (“AVI”) were appointed as investment managers of AGT, which at that point held a total of £6 million in assets under management. As at 31 January 2026, total assets under management of AGT stand at over £1.3 billion.

(Hard copies available upon request for UK addresses only)

  1. British Empire Trust plc. established.

  2. Asset Value Investors Ltd. (Formerly Laurwood, clan and ISAM) became the investment manager.

  3. 4 for 1 rights issue increases size from £6 million to £30 million.

  4. Successful acquisition of Ashdown Investment Trust for a consideration of c. £66 million.

  5. Company exceeds the MSCI World Index by 20 percentage points

  6. The Company’s NAV (Net asset value) exceeds the MSCI World Index for a seventh consecutive year, by 26 percentage points on a total return basis.

  7. NAV per Share reaches 517.8p. The Company’s positive performance continues, 5.9 percentage points above the MSCI World Index on a total return basis.

  8. NAV per Share reaches 521.1p, a record level, before market turmoil causes it to fall.

  9. A volatile year in which NAV total return per share fell over 10% in the first half of the fiscal year, then gained over 31% in the second half, resulting in a 17.8% total NAV return over the year.

  10. A difficult year for the investment community in which NAV total return per share grew by 10.3% compared with an increase of 13.8% in the Morningstar Global Growth Index.

  11. A year of progress with total NAV return being 6.8% vs the MSCI All Country World Ex USA at 5.1% and in which the trust’s discount reduced from 11.8% to 10.3%.

  12. The second half of the Company’s financial year has been marked by intense volatility across equity markets around the world. Having returned 7.2% during the first half of the year, the NAV total return in the second half of the year was -14.5%, making the total return for the full year -8.3%.
    The Company’s formal benchmark (MSCI All Country World ex-US) returned -5.6% over the full year.
    Joe Bauernfreund became British Empire’s named portfolio manager with effect from 01 October 2015.

  13. Debt funding of 20 year unsecured private placement notes issued in two tranches. The first tranche is £30 million and the second tranche is EUR30 million (equivalent to approximately 22.6 million). The blended annualised cost of the new debt is 3.78% and are due to be repaid in 2036. The total fixed rate borrowing has increased from £15 million to £67.6 million following completion of this transaction.

  14. Debt funding of 20 year unsecured private placement notes issued for EUR 20 million (equivalent to approximately £17.5 million). The annualised cost of the new debt is 2.93% and is due to be repaid in 2037. Total borrowing has increased to £89 million following completion of this transaction, or 10% of net assets.

  15. In April 2019, the Company entered into a ¥4 billion (£28 million) revolving credit facility. The proceeds were partly used to redeem the more expensive 8 1/8% debenture stock, due to mature in 2023, at a cost of £20 million including accrued interest. Following the redemption and refinancing, the Company’s weighted average interest rate on borrowings was reduced to 2.9%, compared with 4.3% previously.

  16. In May 2019, the Board changed the Company name to AVI Global Trust plc.

Stay informed

Monthly manager commentary
Join investors who follow AVI's thinking, No spam, unsubscribe any time.
Please confirm your country of origin:
Disclaimer

The content of this website is issued by Asset Value Investors Limited (“AVI”), 2 Cavendish Square, London W1G 0PU.  AVI is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority of the United Kingdom (the “FCA”) and is a registered investment adviser with the Securities and Exchange Commission of the United States. While the Investment Manager is registered with the SEC as an investment adviser, it does not comply with the Advisers Act with regard to its non-U.S. clients.

To the extent that material on this website is issued in the UK, it is issued for the purposes of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000

Intended Audience
The information on this website is provided to you for informational purposes only and should not be regarded as an offer or solicitation of an offer to buy or sell any investments or related services that may be referenced on this website. The information contained on this website is subject to change without notice.

It is your responsibility to observe all applicable laws and regulations of any relevant jurisdiction.

This website is primarily intended for United Kingdom (“UK”) residents. It is not intended for distribution to, or use by, any U.S. persons or persons in any other country where such distribution, publication or use would be contrary to local law or regulation or in which AVI does not hold any necessary licence or registration. Individuals or entities in respect of whom such prohibitions apply, must not access or use the AVI website.

No Tax or Legal Advice
Nothing on this website constitutes investment, legal, tax or other advice nor should it be relied upon in making an investment decision.

Money Laundering
As a result of money laundering regulations, additional documentation for identification purposes may be required when you make your investment. Full details are contained in the relevant subscription documents.

Investment Decisions
As with all financial or investment matters, you should exercise great care in using the information provided on this website or available through links from this website. You should research the facts, opinions and strategies mentioned in this website before making any financial investment decisions. If you are unsure about the meaning of any information provided, please consult your financial adviser or other professional adviser.

No Warranty; Limitation on Liability
Neither AVI, any of its directors, officers or employees, nor any third party vendor, will be liable or have any responsibility of any kind for any loss or damage that you incur in the event of any failure or interruption of this site, or resulting from the act or omission of any other party involved in making this site or the data contained therein available to you, or from any other cause relating to your access to, inability to access, or use of the site or these materials, whether or not the circumstances giving rise to such cause may have been within the control of AVI, or of any vendor providing software or services support.

All information and content on this website is subject to applicable statutes and regulations, furnished “as is”, without warranty of any kind, express or implied, including but not limited to implied warranties of merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose or non-infringement. We make no warranty as to the operation, functionality or availability of this website, that the website will be error-free or that defects will be corrected.

In no event shall AVI be liable to any indirect, incidental, special or consequential damages arising out of or in connection with the use of this website, the inability to use this site or any products or services obtained or stored in or from this website, whether based on contract, tort, strict liability or otherwise. These limitations also apply to any third-party claims against users.

Intellectual Property
Everything on this website is the valuable intellectual property of Asset Value Investors Limited, or their respective suppliers. We protect our intellectual property rights to the full extent of the law.

Copyright Policy
No permission is granted to copy, distribute, modify, post or frame any text, graphics, video, audio, software code, or user interface design or logos.

Hyperlinks
The existence of hyperlinks should not be construed as an endorsement, approval or verification by AVI of any content available on third party sites. By providing access to other websites, we are not recommending the purchase or sale of products or services provided by the website’s sponsoring organization. We do not review any of these third-party sites. AVI reserves the right to require written consent for, or request the removal of, any links to our website.

AVI disclaims all responsibility and liability for the content on third party sites.

Security
For your protection, we require the use of encryption technologies for certain types of communications conducted through this website. While we provide those technologies and use other reasonable precautions to protect confidential information and provide suitable security, we do not guarantee or warrant that information transmitted through the Internet is secure, or that such transmissions will be free from delay, interruption, interception or error. You acknowledge and agree that users of this website and users, owners, or managers of third party websites may not: (i) collect or store personal data about other users of this website or (ii) upload, e-mail or otherwise transmit any material that contains viruses or any other computer code, files or programs that might interrupt, limit or interfere with the functionality of any computer software, hardware, database or file, or communications equipment that is owned, leased or used by AVI.

Privacy Policy
We encourage you to read AVI’s Privacy Policy which can be obtained by clicking the Privacy Policy button found on the Homepage.

General Terms
Deliberate misuse of any element of this website including, without limitation, hacking, introduction of viruses or similar code, disruption or excessive use or any use in contravention of applicable law, is expressly prohibited and we reserve the right to terminate your access to the website, and at our discretion, pass information to the legal authorities.

We reserve the right at any time on giving notice to change or modify these terms and conditions or to impose new conditions in respect of this website or to change or discontinue any aspect or feature of this website. We shall be entitled to terminate your access to this website at any time on giving notice to you and in any event if you commit any breach of these terms and conditions.

We shall have no liability to you for such termination. Notices may be served by any reasonable method including posting on this website.

You shall indemnify us from and against all actions, claims, proceedings, costs and damages (including any damages or compensation paid by us on the advice of its legal advisors to compromise or settle any claim) and all legal costs or expenses arising out of your use of this website, any breach of any applicable law, statute, ordinance, regulation or third party rights and any breach by you of the software licenses and service agreements governing the software made available to you in connection with this website.

These terms and conditions shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of England without regard to conflicts of law principles. Nothing in these Terms and Conditions will exclude or restrict any duty or liability we may have under applicable rules or regulations.

Disclaimer

The content of this website is issued by Asset Value Investors Limited (“AVI”), 2 Cavendish Square, London W1G 0PU.

AVI is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority of the United Kingdom (the “FCA”) and is a registered investment adviser with the Securities and Exchange Commission of the United States. While the Investment Manager is registered with the SEC as an investment adviser, it does not comply with the Advisers Act with regard to its non-U.S. clients.

Intended Audience
The information on this website is provided to you for informational purposes only and should not be regarded as an offer or solicitation of an offer to buy or sell any investments or related services that may be referenced on this website. The information contained on this website is subject to change without notice.

This website is primarily intended for UK residents. It is not intended for distribution to, or use by, any U.S. persons or persons in any other country where such distribution or use would be contrary to local law or regulation.

It is your responsibility to observe all applicable laws and regulations of any relevant jurisdiction.

No Tax or Legal Advice
Nothing on this website constitutes investment, legal, tax or other advice nor should it be relied upon in making an investment decision.

Money Laundering
As a result of money laundering regulations, additional documentation for identification purposes may be required when you make your investment. Full details are contained in the relevant subscription documents.

Investment Decisions
As with all financial or investment matters, you should exercise great care in using the information provided on this website or available through links from this website. You should research the facts, opinions and strategies mentioned in this website before making any financial investment decisions. If you are unsure about the meaning of any information provided, please consult your financial adviser or other professional adviser.

No Warranty; Limitation on Liability
Whilst all reasonable care has been taken in the preparation of this website, AVI cannot guarantee the accuracy or completeness of such information, either expressly or implied. Neither AVI, any of its directors, officers or employees, nor any third party vendor, will be liable or have any responsibility of any kind for any loss or damage that you incur in the event of any failure or interruption of this site, or resulting from the act or omission of any other party involved in making this site or the data contained therein available to you, or from any other cause relating to your access to, inability to access, or use of the site or these materials, whether or not the circumstances giving rise to such cause may have been within the control of AVI, or of any vendor providing software or services support.

All information and content on this website is subject to applicable statutes and regulations, furnished “as is”, without warranty of any kind, express or implied, including but not limited to implied warranties of merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose or non-infringement. We make no warranty as to the operation, functionality or availability of this website, that the website will be error-free or that defects will be corrected.

In no event shall AVI be liable to any indirect, incidental, special or consequential damages arising out of or in connection with the use of this website, the inability to use this site or any products or services obtained or stored in or from this website, whether based on contract, tort, strict liability or otherwise. These limitations also apply to any third-party claims against users.

Intellectual Property
Everything on this website is the valuable intellectual property of Asset Value Investors Limited, or their respective suppliers. We protect our intellectual property rights to the full extent of the law.

Copyright Policy
No permission is granted to copy, distribute, modify, post or frame any text, graphics, video, audio, software code, or user interface design or logos.

Hyperlinks
The existence of hyperlinks should not be construed as an endorsement, approval or verification by AVI of any content available on third party sites. By providing access to other websites, we are not recommending the purchase or sale of products or services provided by the website’s sponsoring organization. We do not review any of these third-party sites. AVI reserves the right to require written consent for, or request the removal of, any links to our website.

AVI disclaims all responsibility for the content of third-party sites

Security
For your protection, we require the use of encryption technologies for certain types of communications conducted through this website. While we provide those technologies and use other reasonable precautions to protect confidential information and provide suitable security, we do not guarantee or warrant that information transmitted through the Internet is secure, or that such transmissions will be free from delay, interruption, interception or error.

You acknowledge and agree that users of this website and users, owners, or managers of third party websites may not: (i) collect or store personal data about other users of this website or (ii) upload, e-mail or otherwise transmit any material that contains viruses or any other computer code, files or programs that might interrupt, limit or interfere with the functionality of any computer software, hardware, database or file, or communications equipment that is owned, leased or used by AVI.

Privacy Policy
We encourage you to read AVI’s Privacy Policy which can be obtained by clicking the Privacy Policy button found on the Homepage.

General Terms
Deliberate misuse of any element of this website including, without limitation, hacking, introduction of viruses or similar code, disruption or excessive use or any use in contravention of applicable law, is expressly prohibited and we reserve the right to terminate your access to the website, and at our discretion, pass information to the legal authorities.

We reserve the right at any time on giving notice to change or modify these terms and conditions or to impose new conditions in respect of this website or to change or discontinue any aspect or feature of this website. We shall be entitled to terminate your access to this website at any time on giving notice to you and in any event if you commit any breach of these terms and conditions. We shall have no liability to you for such termination. Notices may be served by any reasonable method including posting on this website.

You shall indemnify us from and against all actions, claims, proceedings, costs and damages (including any damages or compensation paid by us on the advice of its legal advisors to compromise or settle any claim) and all legal costs or expenses arising out of your use of this website, any breach of any applicable law, statute, ordinance, regulation or third party rights and any breach by you of the software licenses and service agreements governing the software made available to you in connection with this website.

These terms and conditions shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of England without regard to conflicts of law principles. Nothing in these Terms and Conditions will exclude or restrict any duty or liability we may have under applicable rules or regulations.

Disclaimer

INVESTOR – Risk Warnings

It is very important that you read this warning and disclaimer before proceeding, as it explains certain legal and regulatory restrictions applicable to any investment services and products we provide.

The content of this website is issued by Asset Value Investors Ltd (“AVI”), 2 Cavendish Square, London W1G 0PU

AVI is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (“FCA”) in the United Kingdom.

This website is not directed at any person in any jurisdiction where it is illegal or unlawful to access and use such information. AVI disclaims all responsibility if you access any information in breach of any local law or regulation. All persons who access this website are required to inform themselves and to abide with all applicable local law, regulations and restrictions.

The information on this website is not directed at any person or entity in the United States, and this site is not intended for distribution or to be used by any person or entity in the United States unless those persons or entities are existing investors in funds managed by AVI and they have applicable US exemptions.

Nothing on this website constitutes investment, legal, tax or other advice nor should it be relied upon in making an investment decision.

The funds referred to in this website include: alternative investment funds (“AIFs”), UCITS funds, and a collective investment scheme registered in the Cayman Islands. The promotion of such funds and the distribution of offering materials in relation to such funds is accordingly restricted by law.

Shares in the funds mentioned in this website are not dealt in or on a recognised or designated investment exchange, nor is there a market maker in such shares, and it may therefore be difficult for an investor to dispose of his shares.

The information on this website is neither an offer to sell nor a solicitation of any offer to buy shares in any fund managed by AVI.

An application for shares in any of the funds referred to on this site should only be made having fully read the relevant prospectus and most recent financial statement and semi-annual financial statements published thereafter.

The Information is provided for information purposes only and on the basis that you make your own investment decisions and do not rely upon it.

AVI is not soliciting any action based on it and it does not constitute a personal recommendation or investment advice.

Should you have any queries about the investment funds referred to on this website, you should contact your financial adviser.

Past performance is not an indication of future performance. The value of investments and the income from them may go down as well as up and investors may not get back the amount invested.

The funds noted in this website may be subject to higher risk and volatility than other funds and may not be suitable for all investors.

Exchange rates may cause the value of overseas investments and the income arising from them to rise or fall.

The levels and bases of and reliefs from taxation may change. Any tax reliefs referred to are those currently available and their value depends on the circumstances of the individual investor. Investors should consult their own tax adviser in order to understand any applicable tax consequences.

The information on this website, including any expression of opinion or forecast, has been obtained from, or is based on, sources believed by AVI to be reliable, but are not guaranteed as to their accuracy or completeness and should not be relied upon.

You should be aware that the Internet is not a completely reliable transmission medium. AVI does not accept any liability for any data transmission errors such as data loss or damage or alteration of any kind, including, but not limited to any direct, indirect or consequential damage, arising out of the use of the products or services referred to herein. This does not exclude or restrict any duty or liability that AVI has to its customers under the regulatory system in the United Kingdom.

To make a complaint about this website please send a written complaint for the attention of the Compliance Officer at the registered address: 2 Cavendish Square, London W1G 0PU.

You agree to indemnify, defend, and hold harmless AVI, its affiliates and licensors, and the officers, partners, employees, and agents of AVI and its affiliates and licensors, from and against any and all claims, liabilities, damages, losses, or expenses, including legal fees and costs, arising out of or in any way connected with your access to or use of this website and the Information.

The existence of hyperlinks should not be construed as an endorsement, approval or verification by AVI of any content available on third party websites. By providing access to other websites, we are not recommending the purchase or sale of products or services provided by the website’s sponsoring organization. We do not review any of these third-party websites.

No permission is granted to copy, distribute, modify, post or frame any text, graphics, video, audio, software code, or user interface design or logos.

Nothing on this site should be considered as granting any licence or right under any trademark of AVI or any third party.

Deliberate misuse of any element of this website including, without limitation, hacking, introduction of viruses or similar code, disruption or excessive use or any use in contravention of applicable law, is expressly prohibited and we reserve the right to terminate your access to the website, and at our discretion, pass information to the legal authorities.

We reserve the right at any time on giving notice to change or modify these terms and conditions or to impose new conditions in respect of this website or to change or discontinue any aspect or feature of this website. We shall be entitled to terminate your access to this website at any time on giving notice to you and in any event if you commit any breach of these terms and conditions. We shall have no liability to you for such termination. Notices may be served by any reasonable method including posting on this website.

These terms and conditions shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of England without regard to conflicts of law principles. Nothing in these Terms and Conditions will exclude or restrict any duty or liability we may have under applicable rules or regulations. You irrevocably waive any right to a jury trial in any dispute or proceeding arising from the use of this site.