Dec 14, 2017   SOURCE: BusinessWire

William Blair Adds New Team Focused on Aerospace and Defense in Charlotte, North Carolina

William Blair, a premier global boutique, announced today that it has expanded its investment banking capabilities with the addition of a new sector team covering the Aerospace, Defense and Government Services. The team will operate from a new William Blair office in Charlotte, North Carolina. Charles Watson, a firm veteran and native of the area who covers the southeast for William Blair’s investment banking financial sponsor group, will now work from Charlotte as well.

The new team, led by managing director Gordie Vap, includes vice president Andrew Kugajevsky, and vice president Josh Ollek.

“William Blair is always looking to improve our investment banking team’s capabilities by adding quality teams and individuals with expertise in sectors that will add value for our clients,” said Brent Gledhill, global head of investment banking at William Blair. “Gordie and his team are experienced and knowledgeable within the Aerospace and Defense sector, and make an excellent addition to our already robust investment banking team.”

Mr. Vap and his team advised on more than 30 deals featuring businesses in the Aerospace, Defense and Government Services sector, and over the last two years, the team has completed 12 transactions. In addition to their extensive transactional expertise, the team has significant experience in operational roles in the U.S. military.

About William Blair Investment Banking

William Blair’s investment banking group enables corporations, financial sponsors, and owner/entrepreneurs around the world to achieve their growth, liquidity, and financing objectives.

Drawing on the collective intellectual capital and deep sector expertise of a global team that reaches across more than 15 cities on four continents, the investment banking group brings a rigorous and innovative approach to corporate board advisory projects, mergers and acquisitions, and equity and debt financing. From 2013 to 2017, the team advised on more than $260 billion in completed transaction volume.

About William Blair

William Blair is a premier global boutique with expertise in investment banking, investment management, and private wealth management. We provide advisory services, strategies, and solutions to meet our clients’ evolving needs. As an independent and employee-owned firm, together with our strategic partners, we operate in more than 20 offices worldwide.* For more information, please visit williamblair.com.

*Includes strategic partnerships with Allier Capital, BDA Partners, and Poalim Capital Markets.