Equiteq, the leading M&A advisory firm for companies in the knowledge economy, is pleased to announce that it has advised JCRA, one of Europe’s leading financial risk management advisory firms, on its sale to Chatham Financial, a global financial risk management advisory and technology firm. Backed by Connection Capital since August 2017, JCRA’s sale has delivered attractive returns to the investor base of the private equity firm.
Celebrating 30 years in business this year, JCRA is a market leader in its field in the UK and Europe with an enviable international reputation, providing hedging and financial risk advice, including interest rate and foreign exchange advice.
Private investor clients of Connection Capital have made an attractive return in just two years after the investment. Connection Capital invested in JCRA’s management buy-out (MBO) in August 2017 to support its management team in executing its business development plans.
After the combination, Chatham and JCRA will collectively serve over 3,000 clients and advise on more than 20,000 transactions with a notional amount in excess of $700 billion each year. The merged firm leads the industry in financial risk management expertise, transaction volume, and technology—providing clients access to the data, tools, and advice they need to manage financial risk.
JCRA’s Chief Executive Officer, Jackie Bowie, will join Chatham as Co-Head of Europe and commented: “We’re enthusiastic about the future. The combined team’s knowledge of the European markets, now supported by Chatham’s leading technology platform, will raise the bar for what clients expect when transacting in the debt and derivative markets.”
Regarding Equiteq’s role in the transaction, Ms Bowie added: “We have known the team for quite a few years and they had engaged with JCRA early on other aspects of preparation for exit. The team was on hand throughout the process and provided guidance to help us reach a successful conclusion.”
Miles Otway, Partner at Connection Capital, said: “JCRA’s sale to Chatham is a good deal for all concerned. Chatham is an excellent home for the business and will provide new opportunities for JCRA’s employees, as well as the resources to grow the business further in the EMEA region.”
Regarding Equiteq’s role in the transaction, Miles added: “Equiteq showed commitment and determination throughout a complex transaction process. As a shareholder group, we were pleased to have their input and support.”
Ed Groome, Managing Director at Equiteq, commented: “JCRA is an extremely high-quality advisory business which has an exciting future. We are delighted to have supported the management team, Connection Capital and the wider shareholder group throughout the sale process and wish Jackie and the team all the best for the future.”
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