Investment bank GCA Altium expands into Asia's fastest growing markets

Investment bank GCA Altium has grown its Asia footprint by launching offices in Taipei and Ho Chi Minh City.

The new teams, now operational, will aim to give the firm’s UK clients improved access to the burgeoning M&A and investment markets in Asia.

GCA Altium identified Taiwan and Vietnam as rapidly growing trade hotspots for their proximity to China.

The company said Vietnam is one of the continent’s fastest growing economies. Last year was its strongest to date for M&A deals, while gross domestic product (GDP) saw its highest growth rate in a decade, at 6.81%.

Investment activity is also accelerating in Taiwan, with the value of M&A activity forecast to hit $8.7bn (c.£6.7bn) by 2019.

GCA Altium chief exec Phil Adams said: “Having an established global network gives us a real competitive edge, and we are delighted to have expanded our presence in Asia.

“Both are strategic locations, close in proximity to China and the world’s major shipping routes, and offer numerous opportunities for M&A.”

He continued: “We look forward to working with our partners on the ground in these markets to identify new opportunities for clients looking to expand their global footprint to Asia.

“With over 400 professionals and offices across Europe, Asia and the US, GCA Altium provides M&A and capital markets advisory services to growth companies and market leaders. We also launched a new office in Nagoya earlier this year, so these new offices bring the total number to nine in Asia and 18 worldwide.”