GCA Savvian and Altium Sign Definitive Merger Agreement to Form GCA

GCA Savvian Corporation, a premier global investment bank (TSE: 2174), and Altium, a leading international mid-market financial advisory group, today announced that they have entered into a definitive merger agreement. This combination creates a leading independent international investment bank focused on growth companies with an extensive global network, cross-border capability and track record of industry-shaping transactions. GCA will operate under the names GCA Altium in Europe and GCA in the United States and Asia.

Upon the completion of the transaction, GCA will be a leading global pure play advisory business with a focus on growth companies and the 7th largest listed M&A advisory firm in the world, with approximately $200 million in advisory revenues, approximately 370 staff, 300 of whom are experienced M&A bankers and growth company experts, offices in 14 locations in 10 countries around the globe, and more than 315 completed transactions over the last three years.

The combination brings together two extremely complementary businesses with a strong strategic and cultural fit. Together, GCA Savvian and Altium focus on growth companies and hold top positions in key growth sectors, particularly technology, digital media, telecommunications, eCommerce and retail. There are substantial opportunities for synergies between the two businesses, which will result in increased international reach to form outstanding cross-border capabilities and a truly global network in key markets. GCA will have offices in Tokyo, San Francisco, New York, Osaka, Shanghai, Singapore, Mumbai, London, Manchester, Frankfurt, Munich, Zurich, Milan and Tel Aviv.

“We are pleased to announce our merger with Altium. By bringing together these two established companies, we are creating a new global leader in our field,” said Aki Watanabe, Representative Director of GCA Savvian Corporation. “This combination will increase the scale and geographic reach of the firm – positioning GCA as the pre-eminent global investment bank focused on growth companies with a particular strength in technology.”

Phil Adams, CEO of Altium, said: “Our merger with GCA Savvian marks a key and exciting step in our growth strategy. Now, more than ever before, our clients are looking for integrated international coverage and this merger will enable us to provide the best possible service to our clients.”

The merger further increases the firm’s leading volume of cross border deals and will drive revenue growth while also further strengthening its presence within the private equity and venture capital community.

Both companies have built strong, reputable brands through their track records, highly experienced and respected management teams, independent, client-centric advice and transaction execution expertise.

GCA will continue to provide its clients with a broad range of investment banking services including M&A, capital markets, capital raising services for fund managers, debt advisory and private capital raising.

Under the terms of the agreement, which has been unanimously approved by the Boards of Directors of both GCA Savvian and Altium, Altium will merge 100% of its shares into GCA. GCA will be governed by a Board of Directors that includes, Geoffrey Baldwin, Todd Carter, Richard Kramlich, and Mark McInerney from the USA, Jiro Iwasaki, Isao Okubo, Hiroaki Ota, Masatake Yone, and Akihiro Watanabe (Representative Director) from Japan and Phil Adams, Alexander Grünwald and Sascha Pfeiffer from GCA Altium in Europe.

The transaction is subject to regulatory approval and other customary closing conditions and is expected to close early in the second half of 2016.

About GCA Savvian

GCA Savvian is a premier global investment bank serving growth companies through a range of services that include mergers and acquisitions, capital markets, private funds and restructuring advisory. GCA Savvian professionals deliver deep expertise in a range of industries such as technology, media & digital media, communications, healthcare, financial institutions, industrials, and e-commerce. The firm has offices in Tokyo, San Francisco, New York, London, Mumbai, Osaka, Shanghai, and Singapore.

About Altium

Altium is a leading international mid-market financial advisory group, providing M&A, debt and corporate finance advice to companies, private equity firms and entrepreneurs. Established more than 30 years ago, Altium is a truly independent, employee-owned company. Today, the firm operates offices in London, Manchester, Frankfurt, Munich, Zurich, Milan and Tel Aviv. Altium has established itself as a global leader in mid-market private equity and debt advisory deals, as well as the Digital, Media & Internet, Technology & Telecom, Consumer & Retail, Healthcare, Industrials, Business Services and Energy sectors. Altium is dedicated to finding the best possible tailored solutions for its clients through its vast network, profound expertise, service and solution-oriented approach, and independent perspective.

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Contact information

GCA
James M. Kadleck, 415-318-3681
jkadleck@gcasavvian.com