MEMPHIS, Tenn., Dec. 5, 2013 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Memphis, TN and Palo Alto, CA: Wunderlich Securities ("Wunderlich"), a leading regional full service investment firm headquartered in Memphis, today announced an equity capital investment of up to $40 million led by both Altamont Capital Partners ("Altamont"), a private investment firm based in the San Francisco Bay Area, and members of the company's management team. Wunderlich and Altamont have signed definitive documentation, and the parties expect to close the transaction before year-end. The funds will be used primarily to expand the Firm's Private Client Wealth Management, Equity and Fixed Income Capital Markets and Investment Banking divisions. "A capital commitment from an investor as highly regarded as Altamont truly validates the growth opportunity we see before us," said Gary Wunderlich, the Company's founder and CEO.
Formed in 1996, Wunderlich has grown significantly from a single office in Memphis with 8 professionals, to 29 offices in 16 states with more than 450 associated professionals, filling the regional void created by continued industry consolidation over the past few decades. The Company has made the INC 5000 List of fastest growing companies in each of the past four years.
The retail financial advisor group stands to achieve even greater growth from Altamont's capital infusion. "In my 30-plus years in this industry, I can't recall a better time and opportunity for a firm like Wunderlich to attract top tier financial advisors to our regional firm culture," said Jim Parrish, President of Wunderlich's Private Client Group.
The Firm's Equity Capital Market's Division, established in 2008, has also shown exceptional growth with more than 90 associated professionals, including 20 Investment Bankers. Wunderlich's equity research analysts now cover more than 250 companies in 6 industry verticals. Wunderlich's Fixed Income Capital Markets, established in 2004, has been rapidly expanding to over 75 sales and trading professionals located primarily in New York and New Jersey servicing more than 1,000 institutional customers worldwide.
Coil Investment Group, Wunderlich's existing capital partner, has been associated with the Firm since 2007. "We are very excited and look forward to working with Altamont to continue the success of Wunderlich," said Alfred Ydstebo, Chairman of Wunderlich and owner of Coil Investment Group.
Commenting on the deal, Keoni Schwartz, Managing Director of Altamont, said "We are thrilled to partner with Gary and the rest of the Wunderlich organization. The Company's impressive trajectory is a testament to its high quality management team and exceptional platform. Importantly, the team has managed to cultivate and maintain a culture that is highly valued by both employees and clients. In addition to providing capital, we look forward to bringing additional resources and industry expertise to help support management as they continue to execute on both their organic and inorganic growth plans."
Keefe, Bruyette & Woods, Inc. served as Wunderlich's exclusive financial advisor in the transaction.
About Altamont Capital Partners
Altamont Capital Partners is a private investment firm based in the San Francisco Bay Area. Altamont is focused on investing in middle market businesses where it can partner with leading management teams to help its portfolio companies reach their full potential. The Firm's principals have significant experience building business success stories across a range of industries, including financial services, business services, consumer/retail, industrials and healthcare.
About Wunderlich Securities
Established in 1996, Wunderlich is headquartered in Memphis, TN. The Firm caters to individual, corporations, non-profit organizations and institutional clients with financial advisory, brokerage, equity research and investment banking services. Wunderlich has 29 offices in 16 states and more than 450 associated professionals. For more information visit our website at www.wunderlichsecurities.com
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