Stifel to Acquire ACXIT Capital Partners

Rhea-AI Summary

Stifel Financial Corp. (NYSE: SF) announced its acquisition of ACXIT Capital Partners, expanding its European presence into key markets like Germany. ACXIT, with around 50 professionals, specializes in corporate finance and advisory services for mid-market clients, having completed nearly 500 transactions since its inception in 1999. This strategic move aims to enhance Stifel's investment banking capabilities and provide broader access to international markets and clients, particularly in healthcare and technology sectors.

Positive

• Expansion of Stifel's European footprint into Germany and other key markets.
• Acquisition adds significant regional market expertise and geographical breadth.
• Enhanced access to international markets and a deeper pool of industry expertise for ACXIT clients.

Negative

• None.

Addition of Leading DACH Corporate Finance & Advisory Firm Extends European Footprint

ST. LOUIS and FRANKFURT, Germany, June 07, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Stifel Financial Corp. (NYSE: SF) today announced it has signed a definitive agreement to acquire ACXIT Capital Partners, a leading independent corporate finance and financial advisory firm serving European middle-market clients and entrepreneurs. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

ACXIT Capital Partners, with a team of about 50 professionals, operates primarily out of offices in Frankfurt, Zurich, and Munich. Since its founding in 1999, the firm has successfully completed nearly 500 transactions, including mergers & acquisitions, capital markets, and debt advisory and restructuring.

ACXIT’s business is focused on providing advisory and capital solutions to emerging companies and is aligned with high-growth sectors of the global economy, including healthcare and technology. ACXIT also maintains strong positions in additional key verticals including industrials, real estate, and consumer/retail.

“Through this acquisition, we are extending our European footprint further into strategically important European markets, most notably Germany,” said Rob Mann, Head of European Investment Banking at Stifel. “This highly complementary combination with ACXIT Capital Partners allows us to accelerate the growth of our investment banking business by adding more geographical breadth and regional market expertise to our platform. It also forms a natural next step following the combination with Mainfirst in 2019.”

Stifel already has a formidable investment banking presence in the UK and Europe with more than 180 professionals based in the region’s major financial centers.

“Partnering with Stifel instantly gives us greater access to international markets, the ability to call on a deeper pool of industry expertise, and also enables us to deliver a broader set of products and solutions to our clients,” said Johannes H. Lucas, Founder and Senior Managing Partner of ACXIT Capital Partners. “Together, we have the necessary building blocks to create an even more formidable investment banking business throughout continental Europe.”

“The Stifel network will substantially add critical resources to our business, giving us a powerful international platform to leverage,” added Thomas Klack, Senior Managing Partner of ACXIT Capital Partners. “In particular, it will improve our reach into the vast U.S. investor base for growth capital, and provide enhanced capabilities to clients with cross-border aspirations.”

After the closing of the transaction, Johannes Lucas and Thomas Klack will become Co-Heads of DACH (Germany, Austria, and Switzerland) Advisory at Stifel. ACXIT Senior Managing Partners Jens Tschauder and Tobias Warkus will also join Stifel’s DACH Management Board.

“We have been excited by the remarkable growth of our European investment banking business, which is now an integral part of our global investment bank,” noted Brad Raymond, Global Head of Investment Banking at Stifel. “We are pleased to welcome the entire ACXIT team to Stifel, as we create more opportunities to leverage Stifel’s deep domain expertise across the strategically important DACH region.”

About Stifel
Stifel Financial Corp. (NYSE: SF) is a financial services holding company headquartered in St. Louis, Missouri, that conducts its banking, securities, and financial services business through several wholly owned subsidiaries. Stifel’s broker-dealer clients are served in the United States through Stifel, Nicolaus & Company, Incorporated, including its Eaton Partners business division; Keefe, Bruyette & Woods, Inc.; Miller Buckfire & Co., LLC and Stifel Independent Advisors, LLC. The Company’s broker-dealer affiliates provide securities brokerage, investment banking, trading, investment advisory, and related financial services to individual investors, professional money managers, businesses, and municipalities. Stifel Bank and Stifel Bank & Trust offer a full range of consumer and commercial lending solutions. Stifel Trust Company, N.A. and Stifel Trust Company Delaware, N.A. offer trust and related services. To learn more about Stifel, please visit the Company’s website at www.stifel.com. For global disclosures, please visit https://www.stifel.com/investor-relations/press-releases.

About ACXIT Capital Partners
ACXIT Capital Partners is a leading international corporate finance and financial advisory firm for mid-market clients and entrepreneurs in Europe and beyond. Since 1999, ACXIT offers its clients comprehensive corporate finance advisory services including M&A and capital markets advisory as well as restructuring, debt, and strategic advisory. As an independent, privately owned firm, ACXIT maintains offices in Frankfurt, Munich and Zurich as well as strong alliances in the UK and France. For more information, please visit www.acxit.com

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
The information contained in this press release contains certain statements that may be deemed to be “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. All statements in this report not dealing with historical results are forward-looking and are based on various assumptions. The forward-looking statements in this report are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed in or implied by the statements. Material factors and assumptions could cause actual results to differ materially from current expectations. The Company does not undertake to update forward-looking statements to reflect circumstances or events that occur after the date the forward-looking statements are made. The Company disclaims any intent or obligation to update these forward-looking statements.

Media Contact
Neil Shapiro, (212) 271-3447
shapiron@stifel.com

Investor Relations Contact
Joel Jeffrey, (212) 271-3610
investorrelations@stifel.com

FAQ

What is the purpose of Stifel's acquisition of ACXIT Capital Partners?

The acquisition aims to expand Stifel's European presence and enhance its investment banking capabilities.

When was the acquisition of ACXIT by Stifel announced?

The acquisition was announced on June 7, 2022.

What sectors does ACXIT Capital Partners focus on?

ACXIT focuses on healthcare, technology, industrials, real estate, and consumer/retail sectors.

How many transactions has ACXIT completed since its founding?

ACXIT has successfully completed nearly 500 transactions since it was founded in 1999.

Who will lead the DACH Advisory team at Stifel after the acquisition?

Johannes Lucas and Thomas Klack will become Co-Heads of DACH Advisory at Stifel after the acquisition.