Apollo Global Management agreed to increase its stake in Athene Holding, a retirement services company, for $1.6bn. The transaction includes a share exchange between Apollo and Athene, purchase by Apollo of Athene shares, and also eliminates Athene’s current multi-class share structure which the companies expect will significantly improve Athene’s index inclusion eligibility and expand Athene’s investor base. “We are tremendously excited to be announcing this strategic transaction, which we believe will meaningfully enhance value for both Apollo and Athene shareholders. Athene and Apollo have developed a special and symbiotic relationship since Athene’s inception a decade ago. By nearly doubling our economic interest in Athene to approximately 35%, we are reinforcing the durability of our relationship, and enhancing the strong alignment between the two companies," Leon Black, Apollo Chairman and Chief Executive Officer.