Natixis is to make strategic investments in three flagship independent M&A boutiques, all of which are recognised as strong leaders in their respective market segments – Financial Services, China M&A and Technology.
The combined impact of these three investments on Natixis’ CET ratio is estimated at around 8bps.
Following the acquisitions of Leonardo & Co France and 360 Corporate (renamed Natixis Partners and Natixis Partners España respectively) in 2015, and of PJ Solomon in New York in 2016, these transactions will allow Natixis to accelerate the internationalisation of its businesses, further strengthen its M&A advisory offerings in the Financial Services and Technology sectors, and contribute to the development of Natixis in Europe and Asia Pacific.
Fenchurch Advisory Partners LLP (Fenchurch) is a specialist independent corporate finance advisory firm exclusively focused on providing expert advice to the financial services sector. The Fenchurch team has advised on over 200 completed transactions worth more than GBP150 billion, involving situations worth billions to tens of millions. Fenchurch has established a leading position in the UK market with deep expertise across the financial services sector including in insurance, asset and wealth management and specialty finance.
Natixis has entered into an agreement (subject to regulatory approval) to make a 51 per cent strategic investment in Fenchurch which will continue to be managed by the current partners.
The partnership with Fenchurch will reinforce Natixis’ financial services advisory capabilities and act as a catalyst to further develop its reach in the sector in Europe and in the US.
Malik Karim, Executive Chairman of Fenchurch, says: “Since formation in 2004, Fenchurch has evolved into a leading M&A and strategic advisor to major financial institutions. This strategic partnership with Natixis enables our proposition to be even more aligned to support the increasingly complex needs of our clients whose businesses and strategic aspirations develop in an increasingly international context. Through their continuing significant ownership interest in the firm, the Partners at Fenchurch are making a long-term commitment to developing the firm as a leading independent corporate advisor to financial institutions combining deep sector expertise and first class execution capabilities.”
Founded in 2004, Vermilion Partners has offices in Beijing, Shanghai, Shenzhen, London and Munich. The firm focuses on cross-border transactions between China and the rest of the world, advising on both inbound and outbound M&A transactions. With one of the largest cross-border advisory teams on the ground in mainland China, Vermilion Partners has a successful track record of advising prominent multinational and Chinese private and state-owned companies.
Natixis has entered into an agreement to invest for a majority stake in Vermilion Partners, the completion of which is expected on receipt of regulatory approvals. Vermilion will continue to be managed by the current team.
The partnership with Vermilion Partners will add to Natixis’ existing capabilities in China, a market in which Natixis has had an on-the-ground presence since 1994, with branches in Shanghai and Beijing.
Natixis has supported a number of large institutions in their overseas development, providing them with the full spectrum of financial advisory, financing and hedging solutions.
Peter Batey, Chairman of Vermilion Partners, says: “Our business is built on our commitment to provide clients with high-quality advice. By delivering the option of Natixis’ global footprint and financing capabilities we will enhance our offering to both Chinese and international clients. We are delighted to be partnering with an institution that is committed to China for the long-term.”
Clipperton is a French-based M&A boutique specialised in high-growth Technology. With offices in London, Berlin, and Paris and an international reach, Clipperton is a European leader in Technology financial advisory. Over the past 15 years, the team has successfully completed more than 200 high profile transactions globally.
Natixis has entered into an agreement to invest for a minority stake in Clipperton through its subsidiary Natixis Partners.
Natixis Partners and Clipperton will join forces and leverage on Natixis extended M&A global footprint in order to further assist entrepreneurs, PE funds and corporates in their digital developments globally with the objective to establish a top-tier Corporate Finance advisory offering in the Tech field.
Marc Vincent, member of Natixis’ Senior Management Committee, Global Head of Corporate & Investment Banking, says: “These strategic investments are a key milestone in the implementation of the New Dimension plan and in the development of Natixis. Our unique multi-affiliate M&A advisory model has proved its worth, allowing us to expand our advisory capabilities by combining with firms with very specific areas of expertise. The acquisition of key expertise in Financial Services, China and European Tech is complementary to our existing franchise and will strongly enhance our strategic dialogue with clients.”
