NEW YORK & CHICAGO - Investment bank Houlihan Lokey, Inc. (NYSE:HLI) has announced it will acquire Waller Helms Advisors, a firm specializing in investment banking services for the insurance and wealth management sectors. The agreement, signed on August 6, 2024, is expected to be finalized by the end of the year, pending regulatory approvals.
Waller Helms, established in 2014 and headquartered in Chicago, has a track record of advising on over 230 transactions, amounting to an aggregate value of $40 billion. Its recent advisory roles include transactions involving Goldman Sachs Asset Management, The Vistria Group, and Truist Financial Corporation (NYSE:NYSE:TFC).
The acquisition will see Waller Helms' nearly 50 financial professionals, including 13 Managing Directors, integrate into Houlihan Lokey’s Financial Services Group. James Anderson, CEO of Waller Helms, is set to become a Managing Director and Global Co-Head of the Financial Services Group at Houlihan Lokey, alongside Jeffrey Levine. Waller Helms' co-founders, John Waller and David Helms, will also join as Managing Directors.
Houlihan Lokey cites the acquisition as a strategic enhancement of its financial services platform, particularly in the insurance and wealth management sectors. The firm claims the combined group will be the top advisor in these sectors.
According to LSEG data, the newly expanded group ranks as the leading advisor for global M&A transactions in 2023 in the insurance, asset management, and broader financial services sectors, excluding depositories.
Houlihan Lokey, recognized for its global presence and advisory services, holds the title of the top investment bank for global M&A transactions and has maintained leading positions in various advisory categories according to LSEG data.
This acquisition is based on a press release statement and is subject to the completion of the customary closing conditions and regulatory approvals.
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