Raymond James Financial, Inc has reached an agreement to acquire Cebile Capital, a private fund placement agent and secondary market advisor to private equity (PE) firms. The transaction is subject to certain regulatory and other closing conditions.
The addition of Cebile Capital to the firm’s Investment Banking division deepens relationships with the private equity community and expands the related service offerings to include fund placements, general partner (GP)-led secondaries capabilities and limited partner (LP)-led secondaries advisory, a rapidly expanding market. Based in London and New York City, Cebile will operate as a new business unit within Investment Banking, and will be led by Cebile founder Sunaina Sinha Haldea. It will continue to serve leading middle-market PE and private capital firms and their LPs in the United States, Europe and elsewhere around the world.
“Our similar cultures, commitment to client-first values and shared focus on the middle-market make this an ideal opportunity to add an additional service offering to our PE clients who, like Raymond James, are constantly looking to provide value and growth for their investors,” says Paul Reilly, Raymond James chairman and CEO.
The acquisition reflects Raymond James’ emphasis on growing its investment banking business, and represents the firm’s entrance into providing capabilities such as private fund placements and secondary market advisory to PE firms. With a combined focus on the middle-market, this strategic partnership blends two leading teams to provide even greater expertise and service.
“Cebile offers a unique platform that has a track record of success across fund placement and both GP-led and LP-led secondaries,” says Jim Bunn, president of Raymond James Global Equities & Investment Banking. “Sunaina and the entire Cebile team are trusted partners to their clients who provide them with bespoke solutions. By joining Raymond James, their clients gain access to the expertise of our 450 investment banking professionals and industry experts to further assist them in providing strategic advice to private equity firms and their portfolio companies.”
“In joining Raymond James I’ve found a partner with international capabilities and a robust platform paired with the service level and personal touch of a boutique,” says Sinha Haldea. “Together our strengthened and expanded offerings will deliver the sophisticated solutions for which our clients are accustomed, while continuing to be an industry leader in GP-led secondary advisory and fund placement services.”
The acquisition of Cebile Capital continues the firm’s strategic growth in its Investment Banking capabilities, both domestically and internationally. In December 2020 the firm announced the acquisition of Financo, a consumer-focused boutique investment bank, also with offices in London and New York.
