Morgan Stanley to buy Eaton Vance in $7 billion deal

Morgan Stanley is buying investment management firm Eaton Vance in a deal valued at about $7 billion.

Morgan Stanley CEO James Gorman said in a statement on Thursday that Boston-based Eaton Vance, which has over $500 billion in assets under management. will add more fee-based revenues to its investment banking and institutional securities franchise.

The deal will give Morgan Stanley's investment management arm $1.2 trillion of assets under management and more than $5 billion in combined revenues.

Eaton Vance shareholders will receive $28.25 per share in cash and 0.5833 of Morgan Stanley common stock, or $56.50 per share. Based on the $56.50 per share, the amount paid to Eaton Vance shareholders will consist of about 50% cash and 50% Morgan Stanley common stock.

Each Eaton Vance shareholder will have the option to choose all cash or all stock, subject to a proration and adjustment mechanism. Eaton Vance shareholders will also receive a one-time special cash dividend of $4.25 per share to be paid before the transaction's closing by Eaton Vance to its shareholders from existing balance sheet resources.

The deal is expected to close in the second quarter of next year. Eaton Vance shares spiked 48% to $60.51 in morning trade.