Merchant bank bolsters SME offering with corporate finance boutique acquisition

A specialist merchant bank is set to acquire a corporate finance firm which provides merger and acquisition services to the SME sector.

James Stocks & Co has reached an agreement to acquire the business and assets of Forum Capital International Limited (Forum) for an as yet undetermined consideration that will be based on performance.

Based in London, James Stocks & Co provides companies with bespoke advisory and structured finance solutions through a relationship-focused service.

The firm’s acquisition of Forum will allow it to strengthen its SME offering as well as grow its client base.

Tim Stocks, managing director of James Stocks & Co, commented: “The logic for this acquisition is clear and compelling.

“Forum is a strong strategic fit for us, providing both greater scale and diversification in our services to clients whilst increasing our exposure to a highly attractive SME sector. This transaction marks an important step in our expansion.”

Stephen Scott, managing director of Forum, added: “We are delighted to have found an excellent home for our proprietary SME know-how, clients, collaborators and supporters.

“I have long admired the merchant banking model: it has never been so needed in the market. James Stocks is a fine example of this genre and I believe that its bigger platform coupled with its responsive management style will open up an exciting new chapter for our team, our clients and our business.”