Nomura is acquiring Macquarie Group's U.S. and European public asset management businesses for $1.8 billion, marking the Japanese investment bank's most ambitious expansion abroad since its failed purchase of Lehman Brothers' assets.

The acquisition, which brings over $180 billion in assets under management, will also give Nomura a wealth management channel in the U.S.

Nomura Holdings plans to buy Macquarie Group’s public asset management business in the U.S. and Europe for $1.8 billion in a bid to strengthen its investment management business.