Raymond James opens investment banking office in Paris, hires new Senior Banker to grow presence in France

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. – Raymond James is expanding its European Investment Banking practice through the establishment of an investment banking presence in Paris. In conjunction with the office opening, Raymond James has hired Franck Portais to build upon the momentum of the existing offices in London, Munich and Frankfurt.

Portais has more than 25 years of experience in corporate finance, having advised entrepreneurs, families, corporates and private equity funds in France and throughout Europe. He joins Raymond James from Alantra, where he served clients in the technology, business services, consumer goods & retail sectors on M&A, debt advisory and strategic advisory mandates, and was previously at goetzpartners Corporate Finance in Paris. Portais graduated from ESCP Europe in Finance and holds a Diplom-Kaufmann. He joins as a managing director and president of the French subsidiary.

“France is a key growth market for us and one in which we’ve already been successful in winning mandates from French companies,” said Allan Bertie, head of European Investment Banking. “Hiring Franck and opening an office in Paris is an important step to continue growing our European presence and demonstrates that our expertise and relationships here are impactful. This new office and the expanded geographical coverage also deepens our commitment to our clients in private equity, corporates and founder owned businesses, giving us more insights and tailored transaction ideas to bring to this key constituency.”

“I am delighted to join Raymond James and to contribute to the further development of the European platform,” said Portais. “There is a need in France from entrepreneurs, private equity investors and corporates for high quality corporate finance advisory with a true integrated global reach and a sector focused approach to deliver outstanding results.”

Raymond James entered the European investment banking market in 2016 through the acquisition of Mummert & Company and opened an office in London in 2017. In that time, the firm’s presence has grown to include more than 80 investment banking professionals in the UK and 45 professionals across Germany. Raymond James has had an equity sales office in Paris for nearly 40 years and this expanded presence in the city will further strengthen key client relationships in France and meet their growing demand for Investment Banking services.

Raymond James offers a highly regarded equity offering and advisory practice. Since 2020, the firm has completed more than 1,000 M&A and other strategic advisory assignments and has participated in raising over $227 billion in capital for our U.S. corporate clients.

About Raymond James Financial, Inc.

Raymond James Financial, Inc. (NYSE: RJF) is a leading diversified financial services company providing private client group, capital markets, asset management, banking and other services to individuals, corporations and municipalities. Total client assets are $1.53 trillion. Public since 1983, the firm is listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol RJF. Additional information is available at www.raymondjames.com. Raymond James & Associates, Inc., member New York Stock Exchange/SIPC.