Stanhope Capital has appointed Nigel Spray as Partner and Head of the firm’s Merchant Banking division. Spray joins Stanhope Capital from Kleinwort Hambros where he held the position of Managing Director – Head of Private Merchant Banking.
Prior to Kleinwort Hambros, Spray founded Frontiers Capital, a firm which acted as principal investor in, and adviser to, high growth businesses in consumer sectors. Prior to establishing Frontiers Capital, Mr. Spray had been a Managing Director at Credit Suisse jointly running its European Consumer Group and with over 30 years’ experience, Spray is an expert in strategic transactions including mergers, acquisitions, initial/public offerings and capital raising. He qualified as a corporate lawyer and has a BA in Law from Bristol University.
This is the latest high profile hire by Stanhope Capital. In March 2017, the firm appointed Mexico’s former Finance Minister, and renowned Mexican economist Dr Pedro Aspe, to its Advisory Board where he sits alongside other industry and finance doyens including Lord Browne, the former BP Chief Executive and Sir Martin Sorrell, Chief Executive of WPP.
Stanhope Capital’s merchant banking team provides advisory services, including M&A, capital raising, and other corporate finance advice to substantial private clients such as entrepreneurs or industrial families with global assets across a number of industries. The team provides sourcing, evaluation, structuring and execution services in relation to making investments in specific corporate situations, which could be minority, majority or controlling stakes.
Daniel Pinto, Founding Partner and Chief Executive of Stanhope Capital, says: “We are delighted to have attracted Nigel, who is recognised as an expert in strategic transactions to lead our Merchant Banking division. His extensive industry relationships and international transaction experience is a perfect fit with our merchant banking division and will take it to the next stage of its expansion.
“Our merchant banking division is hugely complimentary to our core wealth management business. Our clients are entrepreneurs and industrial families who turn to Stanhope for unbiased high quality advice to manage their liquid wealth but also their substantial business interests. Combining these skill sets under the same roof is key to our success.”
Spray adds: “I am delighted to be joining Stanhope Capital as I have known and respected the team and the firm for a long time. I’m looking forward to working alongside such an experienced team who have an exceptional track record in delivering a suite of advisory and investment solutions to clients helping them achieve their ambitions.”
