Business Category: Investment Trust / Financial Services
European Assets Trust plc was a leading UK-based investment company that specialized in achieving long-term capital growth by investing in small and medium-sized quoted companies across Continental Europe (excluding the UK). Established in 1972 and originally domiciled in the Netherlands before migrating to the UK in 2019, the trust was renowned for its unique high-distribution policy, paying dividends from a combination of income and capital reserves.
Following the strategic combination with The European Smaller Companies Trust PLC in October 2025, the trust is currently in the process of being formally wound up. Its legacy of identifying undervalued, sustainable growth opportunities in under-researched European markets continues under the management of the combined entity. The value proposition centered on providing investors with a "one-stop-shop" for European small-cap exposure while maintaining a disciplined 6% annual distribution target based on net asset value. In 2026, the liquidation is being managed by Ernst & Young LLP to ensure the orderly distribution of remaining entitlements to former shareholders.
Business Helpdesk Number: 01317772477 (Liquidation Enquiries) / 02078181818 (Janus Henderson)
Founder Name: Formed by the Dutch Investment Board (Original); Sam Cosh (Lead Manager prior to merger)
Founded Date: 1972 (Original); 12 November 2018 (UK Incorporation)
Physical Address: 1 More London Place, London, SE1 2AF, United Kingdom (Liquidation Office)
Landmark: Near London Bridge Station
Service or Products: Ordinary Shares (formerly LSE: EAT), European Small-Cap Equity Management, Dividend Reinvestment Plans, Quarterly Income Distribution.
Brand Association Name: Janus Henderson Investors, European Smaller Companies Trust (ESCT).
Working Hours: Monday–Friday: 08:30 – 17:30; Saturday–Sunday: Closed.
Year Founded: 1972
Service Area Radius: National (United Kingdom)
Brands: European Assets Trust.
Number of Employees: Managed by Janus Henderson (Over 2,000 employees globally).
Associations: Association of Investment Companies (AIC), London Stock Exchange.
FAQs
1. What has happened to European Assets Trust (EAT)? EAT has merged with The European Smaller Companies Trust PLC (ESCT). The company is now in voluntary liquidation, and its assets have been transferred to the combined trust managed by Janus Henderson.
2. I still have EAT shares; what should I do? The conversion to ESCT shares happened automatically in October 2025. If you held shares through a platform or broker, your account should now show ESCT shares. If you have questions about unreceived funds, contact the liquidators at Ernst & Young LLP.
3. Who is the registrar for the new combined trust? The registrar is Equiniti Limited. You can contact them at 03713842472 for any queries regarding your shareholding, address changes, or dividend payments.
4. Will the high dividend policy continue? The combined entity (ESCT) has adopted a revised dividend policy. While it aims for competitive distributions, investors should review the latest ESCT prospectus for the updated quarterly dividend targets for 2026.
5. How can I contact the liquidators directly? The joint liquidators are Derek Neil Hyslop and Richard Barker of Ernst & Young LLP. For specific enquiries regarding the winding-up of the estate, you can call 01317772477.
IMPORTANT NOTE: As of October 15, 2025, European Assets Trust plc (EAT) officially merged with The European Smaller Companies Trust PLC (ESCT). Consequently, EAT has entered voluntary liquidation and its shares have been delisted from the London Stock Exchange. All assets and management have transitioned to ESCT, which is managed by Janus Henderson Investors. Former EAT shareholders who did not opt for a cash exit were issued new shares in ESCT.
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Quick Information
Business summaryEuropean Assets Trust (EAT) has merged with The European Smaller Companies Trust. Find information on the merger and historical investment performance.
Year of Establishment1972
AssociationsAssociation of Investment Companies (AIC), London Stock Exchange.
Support
Contact the official European Assets Trust Support Number for fast, reliable assistance in the
Financial Services industry. The European Assets Trust customer care team is available
to handle inquiries. You can also access the European Assets Trust official website at
www.janushenderson.com/en-gb/uk-investment-trusts/trust/the-european-smaller-companies-trust-plc/
for complete service details. For written queries, use the European Assets Trust support email.
Located at 1 More London Place, London, SE1 2AF, United Kingdom (Liquidation Office), London,
Greater London United Kingdom.
Reach the European Assets Trust contact number to connect with verified experts in the
Financial Services sector. The European Assets Trust helpline offers quick resolutions
and trusted guidance. You can also contact the European Assets Trust support team through official
European Assets Trust email for professional assistance.