Clearwater forms new cross-border banking alliance

Clearwater International, the mid-market corporate finance and advisory firm which has offices in Birmingham and Nottingham, has announced a strategic alliance with KeyBanc Capital Markets (KBCM), the corporate and investment banking arm of Cleveland-based KeyCorp.

KBCM and Clearwater International say they will further increase the level of cross-border mergers and acquisitions (M&A) on behalf of both firms’ corporate and institutional clients across the United States, Europe and China.

Clearwater International, whose team totals over 250 across Europe and China will provide KBCM access to a broader base of buyers and acquirers. KBCM brings more than 800 professionals across a national platform in six major industry sectors — including healthcare through the acquisition of Cain Brothers, as well as technology — to Clearwater International’s global client base.

“Today marks an important step in realising Clearwater’s ambitions to become the leading global mid-market advisory firm,” said Michael Reeves, CEO, Clearwater International. “This collaboration effort allows Clearwater enhanced access into North America and KBCM will be able to take full advantage of Clearwater’s integrated international industry groups and the many relationships we already have with strategic acquirers and investors around the world.”

“Partnering with Clearwater is an important next step in broadening KBCM’s M&A platform, providing enhanced access to corporate and private equity firms across Europe and Asia,” added Randy Paine, President of Key Institutional Bank at KeyCorp. “This collaboration is a major step in the evolution of both businesses and will accelerate the opportunities for industry teams to support their clients’ ambitions.”