Harris Williams is an American multinational independent investment bank and financial services company specializing in advisory services and financing for middle-market companies. The firm provides a variety of advisory services including mergers & acquisitions, fairness opinions and restructuring advisory. Harris Williams operates as a subsidiary of PNC Financial Services.
The firm, which is based in Richmond, Virginia, was founded in 1991. The company operates additional offices in San Francisco, Boston, Minneapolis, Cleveland, Washington DC., London, and Frankfurt. The chief operating officer is Paul Poggi.
History Harris Williams was founded by Christopher Williams and Hiter Harris, who previously worked together at Charlotte investment banking boutique Bowles Hollowell Conner & Co., a firm later bought by Wachovia. Harris and Williams had previously been classmates at Harvard Business School, from which they graduated in 1987. Before trying his hand at banking, Hiter Harris was an accomplished kicker who made a name for himself during crunch time. Mergers & Acquisitions: The Dealmaker's Journal, September 1, 2007
The firm has built its business focused heavily on providing advisory services for leveraged buyout transactions and other private equity investments.An Atlantic alliance. Acquisitions Monthly, December 1, 2003
Acquisition In 2005, Harris Williams was acquired by PNC Financial Services and continues to operate as a subsidiary of PNC under the Harris Williams brand.
References
Harris Williams & Co. Named Middle Market Investment Bank of the Year. Investment Dealers' Digest, January 21, 2008
External links Official Website