Harris Williams & Co. maintains an exclusive partnership with Close Brothers International, a leading global financial advisory organization focused exclusively on the middle market. With a global presence across North America, Europe, and Asia, Close Brothers International maintains 30 offices with over 450 professionals focused on providing middle market financial advisory services. This relationship leverages the respective mergers and acquisitions capabilities of each firm to provide unique transatlantic investment banking capabilities. The partnership focuses on the needs of middle market companies and private equity firms originating and executing cross-border transactions in a seamless fashion. A secondee program strengthens the relationship by allowing investment banking professionals from our respective firms to gain experience working in other countries. Harris Williams & Co.'s seconded professional, Brent Spiller, currently resides in London and works out of the Close Brothers' office there. Likewise, Close Brothers' professional, Charles Simpson, joined Harris Williams & Co.'s Richmond office to further enhance the cross-border capabilities of the international network.

In 2007, Close Brothers International advised on 333 M&A transactions with total transaction value in excess of €48 billion. The transactions were executed across the U.S., Europe, and Asia, and included some of the European market's highest profile transactions over the past 12 months. Recent transactions include:

	Close Brothers advised AXA Private Equity and the management team in the disposal of Bénédicta to Heinz.
	Close Brothers advised on the sale of Europa Apotheek Venlo to Medco Health Solutions (NYSE:MHS).
	Close Brothers advised Waterland Private Equity on the sale of the data center and infrastructure services provider sds business services GmbH to Affiliated Computer Services, Inc.
	Close Brothers advised SmartStream Technologies and TA Associates on the company's IPO preparations and the subsequent sale to Dubai International Financial Centre Investments for a cash consideration of approx. £200m
	Close Brothers advised Electra Partners on the sale of Capital Safety Group (“CSG”) to Candover Partners for £565 million.
	Close Brothers advised on the recapitalization of Paragon Healthcare Group, a portfolio group of Duke Street Capital, by HgCapital for £322 million.
	Close Brothers advised Extensity SARL on its £231.7 million acquisition of Systems Union Group plc.
	Close Brothers advised Hydrex, a Bridgepoint portfolio company, on its £106 millionsale to Quilvest and the Shoaibi Group. Separately Close Brothers arranged a stapled debt package totalling £ 97 million.

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