Coast Celebrates 20 Years as Hedge Fund Manager

SANTA MONICA, Calif., Jan. 6, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Coast Asset Management, LLC is proud to announce the firm's 20th anniversary as a leading independent multi-strategy alternative investment manager serving the needs of sophisticated institutional and individual investors.

Established in December 1990 and operating since the beginning of 1991, Coast was formed by investment management veteran David E. Smith, who continues to lead the firm as president, CEO and chairman of its board of managers. Coast is majority owned by its management and currently employs 49 people, including 23 investment professionals. The firm has consistently focused since inception on achieving superior risk-adjusted returns while carefully managing downside volatility.

"Since 1991, Coast has delivered on its commitment to building a deeply experienced investment team and applying rigorous standards of transparency and risk management," said Dave Smith. "Coast's time-tested focus on identifying and managing risk, as opposed to being solely focused on returns, is essential to achieving the low volatility in returns that has always been our hallmark, and will continue to distinguish our firm as investors navigate through challenging times.''

Santa Monica, California-based Coast is acknowledged as one of the pioneers in the funds of hedge funds business and also as an early innovator in developing structured investment strategies for investors focused on seeking superior risk-adjusted returns and risk management.

In addition to its 23 investment professionals, the Coast team is supported by a seasoned staff focused on operations, legal and compliance, information technology and investor relations, as well as an experienced board of managers including four outside executives.  

About Coast Asset Management

Operating since 1991, Santa Monica, Calif.-based Coast Asset Management is an independent multi-strategy alternative investment firm managing assets for institutional and high-net worth investors worldwide.  Coast, majority-owned by its management, is experienced in core multi-manager fund of hedge funds and other investment strategies, including fixed income arbitrage and structured products.  An affiliate of Summit Partners, a private equity firm, owns a significant minority interest in Coast.

SOURCE Coast Asset Management, LLC