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U.S.-based Raymond James Financial buys Goepel McDermid for $125 million
Updated: Tue, Sep 05 06:48 PM EDT
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VANCOUVER (CP) - Canadian brokerage Goepel McDermid Inc. is being taken over by U.S.-based Raymond James Financial Inc. for about $125 million, continuing the recent wave of consolidations in the Canadian financial services industry.
The deal, announced after stock markets closed Tuesday, is subject to definitive agreements and shareholder and regulatory approvals, and is expected to close in the fourth quarter. The stock swap transaction will give shareholders of Goepel, an employee-owned broker based in Vancouver, a stake in the bigger U.S. firm.
Kenneth Shields, Goepel McDermid's president and chief executive, said the two companies have considered a strategic alliance since 1998.
"Our firms are remarkably similar - we share a dedication to client service and are both firmly committed to the autonomy of our people," Shields said in a release.
"By joining forces with this strong U.S. leader, our clients will have direct access to an expanded range of products and services. In addition, our people will enjoy the same entrepreneurial atmosphere we've always encouraged."
The deal is part of a wave of mergers that have swept the Canadian financial services industry as companies grow to compete more effectively in an increasingly global market where size and international partnerships are important.
In 1998, independent broker Midland Walywn of Toronto was taken over by U.S. brokerage giant Merrill Lynch, and First Marathon Securities was acquired by National Bank of Canada last year.
More recently, the industry has seen:
- A $2.6-billion takeover of Trimark Financial Corp. by British financial giant Amvescap PLC.
- U.S.-based Templeton acquire Bissett and Associates Investment Management of Calgary.
- U.S. brokerage and money management company Legg Mason Inc. buy Toronto-based Perigee for $208 million US.
Tom James, chief executive of Raymond James Financial, said Tuesday's deal will help his Florida-based company expand into Canada.
"We are delighted to be entering the Canadian market and believe Goepel McDermid is capable of delivering on the profitability and growth targets we've traditionally achieved in the U.S."
Raymond James Financial is known for its personal financial planning expertise through a network of more than 4,400 financial advisers. Together, the two companies say they can offer significant advantages to private investors seeking independent investment dealer alternatives for wealth management services.
Goepel McDermid is an employee-owned, full service investment dealer with more than 750 employees at 25 offices across Canada. The firm provides financial services to more than 60,000 clients, including private investors, companies, and institutions.
Raymond James Financial, based in St. Petersburg, Fla., has 1,800 offices in the U.S. and overseas, and has more than $90 billion US in assets under administration. The company had revenues of $1.26 billion US for the nine months ended June 30.