Europe-based global corporate finance advisory firm Clairfield International and FirstRand Bank division Rand Merchant Bank (RMB) have formally agreed to partner, marking both firms’ commitment to increasing their global footprint and the delivery of corporate finance advisory solutions for clients.

This partnership will position RMB as the gateway for Clairfield clients into South Africa, Nigeria and the broader sub- Saharan African market, while Clairfield provides accessibility for RMB into Europe, the Americas and the Asia-Pacific region, RMB outlines in a statement.

Following from Clairfield’s successful partnership with Japanese advisory firm Yamada Consulting last year that covers Japan and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, this new access to sub-Saharan Africa is expected to create considerable coverage for midmarket corporate, private equity and family business clients worldwide.

Clairfield International advises entrepreneurs, multinational corporations and financial investors on mergers and acquisitions (M&A) and other corporate finance solutions with special expertise in cross- border situations through more than 30 country teams globally.

Clairfield International has completed 780 transactions on behalf of clients in the last five years totalling €30-billion in disclosed deal value.

“We are optimistic about Africa’s long-term growth, driven by technology, the high demand for infrastructure and rapid urbanisation, and we are eager to explore business opportunities across the continent.

“RMB has a corporate finance team of over 70 people, and with their reach and expertise on the ground, Clairfield can vastly expand its client offerings across sub-Saharan Africa. This partnership is a transformative step for both firms, enhancing our global footprint. Together we can access exciting global deal flow, buyers and investors for our clients,” Clairfield executive chairperson Alexander Klemm says.

RMB’s corporate finance team partners local and global clients offering advice and thinking on strategic topics as well as access to capital to enable their growth ambitions.

“This partnership underscores our commitment to building an M&A advisory capability that is internationally relevant to our clients.

“The increase in M&A activity across Africa positions us favourably with companies seeking global opportunities and expertise. Our collaboration with Clairfield has already proven fruitful as interest from Clairfield clients is evident in our mandates. We look forward to a continued partnership and access to Clairfield’s expertise in developing and facilitating that global deal flow,” says RMB Corporate Finance co-head Krishna Nagar.