Raymond James establishes leveraged finance and debt advisory practice
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. – Raymond James is expanding the capabilities of its Investment Banking platform with the creation of the Leveraged Finance & Debt Advisory group (Leveraged Finance) and the hiring of Drew Weisman as senior managing director and head of Leveraged Finance & Debt Advisory, and Alvin Ng as director.
Based in New York, the new group will provide leveraged finance solutions including private debt placements, debt capital markets advisory, term loan B facilities and high yield bonds to corporate and financial sponsor clients. The team will arrange debt solutions for a range of financing needs including refinancings, recapitalizations, acquisitions, leveraged buyouts and general corporate purposes.
“Establishing a dedicated Leveraged Finance group represents an important expansion of our investment banking platform and strengthens our ability to support clients across the capital structure,” said Steve Hufford, senior managing director and head of Investment Banking at Raymond James. “As financing markets have evolved and the range of capital available to companies and sponsors has grown, clients increasingly need experienced advisors who can help them evaluate and access the right solutions. Drew and Alvin bring valuable experience and expertise that will deepen our relationships with the private equity community and enhance the advice and execution we can provide to corporate and sponsor clients.”
The addition of the Leveraged Finance group marks another step in Raymond James’ investment in financial sponsor coverage, expanding the financing and advisory capabilities available to corporate and sponsor clients across sectors.
Weisman joins Raymond James after 15 years at Jefferies, where he was the founder and global head of the private debt finance & advisory group and head of consumer & retail leveraged finance. Weisman also spent several years in London as head of European structuring & origination, where he was responsible for building out Jefferies’ sponsor finance business in that region. Weisman led a wide range of leveraged finance, private debt and capital markets advisory transactions across the consumer & retail, distribution, metals & mining, paper & packaging, maritime and power & utilities sectors.
Ng also joins Raymond James from Jefferies after seven years in its leveraged finance group, originating, structuring and executing leveraged loan, high yield bond, private debt and capital markets advisory transactions for the consumer & retail and distribution sectors. Prior to Jefferies, Ng worked at HSBC and Citi.
“Today’s leveraged finance market offers clients a broader and more diverse set of financing alternatives, creating an opportunity to provide more comprehensive advice as they evaluate capital structures and strategic transactions,” said Weisman. “Raymond James’ deep industry expertise and strong financial sponsor relationships provide a compelling platform to grow the practice and help clients navigate an increasingly dynamic financing landscape.”
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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