CLOSE BROTHERS CORPORATE FINANCE EXPANDS PRIVATE EQUITY ADVISORY TEAM

Private Equity expected to remain at the heart of European transactions

22 March 2005, London – Close Brothers Corporate Finance ("Close Brothers") has appointed Mark Barrow as head of its Private Equity Coverage Group ("PECG"), its advisory team wholly focused on the private equity community.  The appointment reflects Close Brothers' commitment to the private equity industry.

Mark Barrow, a Director at Close Brothers, has eight years of experience in advising private equity groups.  Recent deals he has worked on include the investment by 3i in Williams Lea (outsourced business solutions), the sale of Tom Cobleigh to Spirit by Electra and the sale of Riva Bingo to Gala by Bridgepoint.

Also joining the PECG will be Darren Redmayne, an Assistant Director.  He has recently returned from eighteen months advising private equity clients in the USA with the leading mid-market investment bank, Harris Williams & Co, part of Close Brothers' international network. 

Richard Grainger, Chief Executive of Close Brothers said:

"The appointment of Mark Barrow to head our Private Equity Coverage Group highlights how committed we are to the private equity community.  Private equity firms are significant drivers of deal activity and we are constantly reviewing how we can better understand their needs and more effectively deliver our services.  The Group provides our private equity clients with the expertise and strategic advice they've come to expect from Close Brothers."

The remit of the PECG includes identifying and structuring compelling investment opportunities, refinancing and recapitalising portfolio investments and the evaluation and execution of exit options. 

For further information please contact:

Close Brothers

Justin Clark +44 (0)20 7655 3784