新巨头，诞生

Group 1 - BNP Paribas has completed the acquisition of AXA Investment Managers, creating a new asset management giant in Europe [1][3] - The integration of AXA IM will enhance BNP Paribas's asset management platform under its Investment, Savings, and Protection (IPS) division, positioning it as a leading player in the European market [3] - Post-acquisition, BNP Paribas will manage approximately €850 billion in assets related to insurance and pension funds, aiming to become a leader in the private market asset management sector [3] Group 2 - The acquisition is part of a broader trend in the global asset management industry, which is facing challenges such as declining profit margins and the need for significant technology investments [4][5] - Other notable mergers and acquisitions in the asset management sector include Generali and Natixis Investment Managers planning to form a new company managing €1.9 trillion in assets, and BlackRock's acquisition of GIP and HPS to enhance its capabilities in the private market [5] - The ongoing trend of consolidation in the asset management industry is expected to continue as firms seek to expand scale to increase revenue amidst a downward trend in fee rates [5]