SIR Alex Ferguson has invested millions of pounds in a property venture which also counts two England international soccer stars among its backers.

The Old Trafford supremo heads a list of rich and famous people who have taken stakes in Active Asset Investment Management.

It is a London-based business which has already bought offices in Northampton for £4m, and is poised to announce deals totalling £200m on two sites in the capital.

Leeds United striker Alan Smith and Aston Villa midfielder Gareth Barry are among the 20 individuals who have invested a total of £50m so far.

Sir Alex, who was introduced to the founder earlier this year through Manchester law firm James Chapman & Co, helped launch the venture in London yesterday.

He was presented with an oil painting by one of the world's highest-paid living artists, Andrew Vicari, who is also investing.

Along with his initial stake, Sir Alex has invested in the Northampton offices, which are to house furniture retailer MFI.

He shrugged off concerns about the state of the property market, saying: "I'm very bullish about this company."

Active Asset Investment Management is aimed at sports stars, celebrities, artists and other wealthy individuals such as bankers, accountants and lawyers. It is also aimed at institutions and pension funds.

Syndicates

The company acquires and manages sites on behalf of syndicates of investors, who receive a share of the rent and benefit from an increase in the property's value.

The business, based in Mayfair, was created by property entrepreneur and Arsenal fan Robert Whitton, 40, who is chief executive.

Its chairman is Mark Tagliaferri, a City high-flier who is a respected private equity and real estate investor.

AAIM is targeting high-quality properties in the UK and Europe including offices, industrial and retail sites. Mr Whitton said it plans to buy properties worth more than £750m over the next year.

Mr Tagliaferri said: "The support and interest we have already received from a wide range of high net worth investors has been extremely encouraging."

The firm's investment criteria are high-quality tenants, 25-year leases, fixed annual increases and prime locations.

Deals could involve sale and leaseback agreements or pre-let development funding.

The fund is believed to be the first of its type for top soccer stars, who make a fortune in a short period of time, which needs careful financial management.

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