Stifel Completes Acquisition of Bryan Garnier

Rhea-AI Summary

Stifel Financial Corp (NYSE: SF) has completed the acquisition of Bryan Garnier, a leading European investment bank focused on technology and healthcare sectors. The acquisition strengthens Stifel's European presence and advances its goal of becoming the premier global middle-market investment bank. Bryan Garnier, founded in 1996, offers M&A advisory, equity capital markets, and private placement services. The combined entities have led over 500 European technology and healthcare transactions since 2020. Bryan Garnier will be rebranded as Stifel, with co-founder Olivier Garnier assuming the role of Chairman of Stifel Europe. Stifel, with approximately 10,000 professionals across 400 offices globally, maintains a leading position in North American M&A transactions under $1 billion since 2012.

Positive

• Strategic expansion into European technology and healthcare sectors through established player Bryan Garnier
• Combined entity has strong track record with over 500 European tech and healthcare transactions since 2020
• Enhanced cross-border capabilities and broader service offerings for clients
• Strengthened European presence with complementary expertise in key growth sectors
• Olivier Garnier's appointment as Chairman of Stifel Europe ensures leadership continuity

Negative

• Integration challenges and costs associated with rebranding and legal entity changes
• Potential cultural integration challenges between US and European operations
• Execution risks in merging different organizational structures

Insights

M&A Investment Banker

Stifel strengthens European tech/healthcare presence by acquiring Bryan Garnier, creating formidable transatlantic middle-market investment banking platform.

Stifel's acquisition of Bryan Garnier represents a strategic expansion of its European investment banking capabilities, particularly in the high-growth technology and healthcare sectors. This transaction transforms Stifel's competitive positioning in Europe by adding Bryan Garnier's specialized expertise and established client relationships. The combined entity has executed over 500 European technology and healthcare transactions since 2020, demonstrating substantial transaction volume that should translate into meaningful revenue synergies.

The strategic rationale centers on creating a stronger transatlantic advisory platform targeting the middle market—a segment where Stifel already holds the #1 position for North American M&A transactions under $1 billion. Bryan Garnier's full-service capabilities in M&A advisory, equity capital markets, and private placements complement Stifel's existing strengths while extending its European reach.

The integration appears well-planned, with immediate rebranding where possible and a clear leadership structure. Bryan Garnier's co-founder will assume the Chairman role for Stifel Europe, providing continuity for client relationships while focusing on platform growth. The cultural alignment between the firms—both emphasizing sector expertise, entrepreneurial approaches, and trusted client relationships—should facilitate integration and reduce execution risk that typically challenges cross-border financial services acquisitions.

For Stifel investors, this transaction advances the firm's stated strategy of building premier global investment banking capabilities targeted at middle-market companies, potentially unlocking higher-margin advisory revenue streams and cross-selling opportunities across its expanded 10,000-person organization spanning approximately 400 offices globally.

ST. LOUIS, June 02, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Stifel Financial Corp. (NYSE: SF) today announced the completion of its acquisition of Bryan, Garnier & Co. (“Bryan Garnier”), a leading independent full-service investment bank specializing in the European technology and healthcare sectors.

“Bryan Garnier brings focused sector expertise, an entrepreneurial mindset, and a strong reputation for trusted advice—qualities that align closely with Stifel’s values and strategy,” said Ronald J. Kruszewski, Chairman and CEO of Stifel. “This partnership enhances our European capabilities and moves us closer to our goal of being the premier global investment bank for the middle market. Together, we’re creating a transatlantic advisory platform built for long-term growth.”

Founded in 1996, Bryan Garnier offers a comprehensive suite of services, including mergers & acquisitions advisory, equity capital markets, and debt and equity private placement services to European growth companies, large corporates, private equity firms, and institutional investors. As of today, where possible, Bryan Garnier will be rebranded as Stifel, and the process of officially changing the Bryan Garnier group legal entity names to Stifel will be initiated.

Combined, Stifel and Bryan Garnier have led more than 500 European technology and healthcare transactions since 2020, including advisory, sponsor-led M&A, equity, and debt deals.

“This is an exciting day for Bryan Garnier, our employees, and our clients,” said Olivier Garnier, Co-Founder and Managing Partner of Bryan Garnier. “Joining the Stifel platform allows us to offer the European market a broader array of solutions, enhanced cross-border reach, and deeper market expertise. We have closely followed Stifel’s impressive growth and are eager to join forces with a partner that shares our focus on premier client service and execution.” Mr. Garnier will assume the role of Chairman of Stifel Europe, where he will help grow the firm’s pan-European platform and focus on client engagement.

With approximately 10,000 professionals located in approximately 400 offices across the United States, Europe, the Middle East, and Asia, Stifel is a leading M&A advisor and a premier capital markets firm, dedicated to serving growth companies and their investors. Since 2012, Stifel is ranked No. 1 in North American M&A transactions under $1 billion and has been named U.S. Mid-Market Equity House of the Year by International Financing Review (IFR) five times since 2013.

Stifel Company Information
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.

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 Contacts
Neil Shapiro, +1 (212) 271-3447
shapiron@stifel.com

Alex Hamer, +1 (212) 847-6673
hameral@stifel.com

Investor Relations Contact
Joel Jeffrey, +1 (212) 271-3610
investorrelations@stifel.com

FAQ

What are the strategic benefits of Stifel's acquisition of Bryan Garnier?

The acquisition enhances Stifel's European capabilities, particularly in technology and healthcare sectors, strengthens its global middle-market investment banking position, and provides broader solutions and cross-border reach for clients.

How many transactions have Stifel and Bryan Garnier completed in European technology and healthcare sectors?

The combined entities have led more than 500 European technology and healthcare transactions since 2020, including advisory, sponsor-led M&A, equity, and debt deals.

What role will Bryan Garnier's co-founder take at Stifel?

Olivier Garnier, co-founder of Bryan Garnier, will assume the role of Chairman of Stifel Europe, focusing on growing the firm's pan-European platform and client engagement.

What is Stifel's current global presence after the Bryan Garnier acquisition?

Stifel has approximately 10,000 professionals located in about 400 offices across the United States, Europe, the Middle East, and Asia.

What is Stifel's track record in M&A transactions?

Stifel has been ranked No. 1 in North American M&A transactions under $1 billion since 2012 and has been named U.S. Mid-Market Equity House of the Year by IFR five times since 2013.