CLOSE BROTHERS COPORATE FINANCE & RAND MERCHANT BANK SIGN ALLIANCE AGREEMENT
Close Brothers Corporate Finance Ltd. ("CBCF"), one of Europe's leading independent corporate finance advisers, announces a strategic alliance with Rand Merchant Bank Corporate Finance ("RMB"), part of South Africa's largest investment bank, Rand Merchant Bank. Besides South Africa, the advisor has two local offices in Australia.
The alliance will provide a framework for future cooperation both in terms of origination and execution of transactions into and out of South Africa and Australia, bolstering CBCF's network into those regions. The co-operation between the parties will be on all levels and geographies whenever it is beneficial to clients. CBCF and RMB will have access to the full range of each other's corporate finance products.
Commenting on the alliance, Richard Grainger, CEO of CBCF said:
"With the resurgence of international M&A activity and the rise in international debt provision, this alliance will ensure we are well placed to take full advantage of opportunities in South Africa and Australia. The alliance with RMB gives us the perfect platform to develop the Close Associates network into the regions."
Herman Bosman, Head of Corporate Finance at Rand Merchant Bank commented:
"The United Kingdom and the European Continent are the logical international markets for many of our South African and Australian clients. This strategic alliance with Close provides us with an excellent partner through which we can better service their international ambitions."
The agreement will be effective from 4 May 2004.
For further information please contact:
Close Brothers Corporate Finance
Richard Grainger +44 (0)20 7655 3173
Justin Clark +44 (0)20 7655 3784
Citigate Dewe Rogerson
Sarah Gestetner+44 (0)20 7282 2920
Rebeca Denny +44 (0)020 7282 2817
Rand Merchant Bank Corporate Finance
Herman Bosman +27 11 282 8204
Rob Bessinger +27 11 282 8303
Notes to editors:
Close Brothers Corporate Finance (www.cbcf.com) operates as an autonomous and independent business unit within Close Brothers Group plc, the largest independently-listed UK investment bank. Headquartered in London, it operates internationally, employing more than 150 staff across Europe. Close Brothers Corporate Finance has a strong international reach through its offices in France, Germany, Spain and Italy and Close Associates, an affiliate network of independent corporate finance houses in all major financial centres across the globe.
Close Brothers offers independent corporate finance advice in three primary areas: Corporate Restructuring, Debt Advisory and mid-market Mergers and Acquisitions (up to £500 million).
Rand Merchant Bank Corporate Finance (http://www.rmb.co.za|) is the advisory and other equity-related businesses within Rand Merchant Bank, a leading South African investment bank, with over 650 employees.
Rand Merchant Bank Corporate Finance operates from offices in Johannesburg, Sydney and Melbourne. It offers corporate finance advice in M&A, restructurings, capital raisings and the innovative Black Economic Empowerment structures just introduced to the market.
In PwC's 2003 Peer Survey, Rand Merchant Bank was listed the top advisor for M&A and listings.