SOCIETE GENERAL of France has officially announced the purchase of 51% of the US asset manager TCW (TRUST COMPANY OF THE WEST) for USD 800 million in shares. The agreement includes the acquisition (between 2003 and 2006) by SG of an extra 19% holding in TCW in four equal annual instalments. The initial operation will boost SGAM's assets under management to EUR 252 billion, 56% in Europe, 34% in the United States and 10% in Asia. See yesterday's EI.