History

Close Brothers Group plc is an independent investment banking group which has a long and distinguished history, characterised by a conservative but innovative approach to financial services.  The business was founded in 1878 by William Brooks Close, initially providing farm mortgages in Iowa and financing the first railway in Alaska.

This entrepreneurial approach has continued throughout our history; as an independent merchant bank, the company has always carved out a distinctive strategy.  The management buy-out in 1978 was a first for the merchant banking industry, and another important step was the listing on the London Stock Exchange in 1984.  The careful purchase of high quality specialist businesses has created a differentiated range of services.  Examples include the high profile purchase of Winterflood Securities in 1993 and the Hill Samuel corporate finance unit in 1996, both leading to step changes in size and scale.

Today, Close Brothers is amongst the top 200 listed companies in the UK.   The Group employs over 2,500 staff and manages assets of £6.9bn*.  Its activities are delivered through its 4 main operating units of asset management, corporate finance, market making and banking. Close Brothers has established a strong reputation for independence and integrity with market leadership in several specialist areas.

Close Asset Management brings together the Group’s established asset management businesses in the UK and its offshore banking services.  It offers a comprehensive range of specialist investment and banking services for private individuals, institutions and professional advisers via personal service with experienced professionals.

*As at 31st January 2009 (Source Close Brothers Group plc)

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