Raymond James expands ESOP advisory investment banking practice
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. – Raymond James is expanding the capabilities of its Investment Banking platform by hiring Will Stewart as a managing director in its ESOP Advisory practice. Stewart’s addition reinforces the firm’s continued commitment to serving business-owner clients and further strengthens its M&A advisory and execution capabilities for ESOP-related transactions.
Raymond James established its ESOP Advisory practice in January with the hiring of Mark Buchanan, managing director and head of ESOP Advisory. Stewart joins Buchanan as the firm continues to build out the recently established practice.
“Will’s addition reflects our ongoing commitment to building out our ESOP Advisory practice and deepening our expertise in alternative ownership transitions,” said Steve Hufford, senior managing director and head of Investment Banking at Raymond James. “His experience, combined with the broader capabilities of our investment banking platform, further enhances our ability to provide sophisticated advice and execution across a range of ESOP advisory and ownership-transition strategies.”
Stewart joins Raymond James after 21 years at PCE, where he led its ESOP practice. He has advised private businesses across a diverse range of sectors on ESOP, M&A and recapitalization transactions. Stewart holds a Bachelor of Arts in economics from Denison University and is a CFA® charterholder.
“ESOPs can offer business owners a compelling path to address shareholder liquidity while creating lasting value for employees and other stakeholders,” said Mark Buchanan, head of ESOP Advisory. “Raymond James’ broad capabilities and client-first culture provide a strong platform to help owners evaluate their options and navigate these complex, highly personal decisions.”
About Raymond James Investment Banking
Raymond James Investment Banking provides highly regarded capital formation and financial advisory services to corporate, private and financial sponsor clients across a broad range of industries. Backed by over 750 investment banking professionals across more than 20 offices in the U.S., Canada, the United Kingdom and Europe, the platform offers clients significant scale and global reach. With deep sector expertise, broad product capabilities and a client-focused culture, the firm is defined by an unwavering commitment to delivering the advice, solutions and execution clients need to achieve their strategic objectives. Since 2021, Raymond James Investment Banking has participated in raising approximately $400 billion in capital for corporate clients and completed more than 1,100 advisory assignments, including 900 M&A buy-side or sell-side advisory assignments.
About Raymond James Financial, Inc.
Raymond James Financial, Inc. (NYSE: RJF) is a leading diversified financial services company providing private client group, capital markets, asset management, banking and other services to individuals, corporations and municipalities. Total client assets are $1.93 trillion. Public since 1983, the firm is listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol RJF. Additional information is available at www.raymondjames.com.
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