3 March 2008, London – Close Brothers, one of Europe's leading independent corporate finance advisers, has appointed a new Managing Director to head its Pensions Advisory Group.

Christopher Clayton joins Close Brothers from Grant Thornton where he has been since 2002.  He was a lead Director in Grant Thornton's mergers and acquisitions practice and has most recently specialised in advising companies and trustees on issues relating to their pensions schemes.  He has also worked with the Pensions Regulator on policy and regulatory matters.

Up until August 2007, Christopher spent nine months on secondment to the Pensions Regulator, working as a Business and Financial Analyst in the Corporate Risk Management team.  He was responsible for taking the commercial decisions on behalf of the Pensions Regulator on whether to grant clearance for corporate transactions.

Commenting on Christopher's appointment, Stephen Aulsebrook, Chief Executive of Close Brothers Corporate Finance, said:

"We are delighted to have Christopher on board.  Not only does he have first hand experience of how the Regulator works but he is also well placed to provide feedback to the Regulator on how its policies shape transactions and influence company behaviour.  Our clients will have crucial advice when assessing their options and negotiating a solution that works for the benefit of all stakeholder groups."

Close Brothers pension advisory mandates include, advising Polestar Corporation, a market leading European commercial printing company on its £1.1billion restructuring which involved protecting a significant pension scheme; as well as advising Pension Scheme Trustees on a number of other high profile situations, some of which remain ongoing.
 
Christopher's appointment is the second senior Close Brothers appointment in as many weeks.  Last week it announced that Richard Pulford is to join from PWC and will be responsible for heading the newly established Manchester office and Close Brothers' drive into the North West.

Close Brothers recently won the Acquisitions Monthly Awards for Restructuring Adviser of the Year 2008; Restructuring Deal of the Year 2008 (for work on Eurotunnel); and Support Services Adviser of the Year 2008.  It also won the IFR Restructuring Deal of the Year, again for Eurotunnel.

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