Allegiance Capital Opens Chicago Office

CHICAGO and DALLAS, May 4 /PRNewswire/ -- Allegiance Capital, an investment bank serving primarily privately-held middle-market companies, announced today that it has opened an office in Chicago as part of an ongoing expansion. Allegiance Capital has grown at an annual compounded rate of more than 50% over the past five years and in 2009, the Dallas-based company closed transactions totaling more than $500 million. In 2010 the firm projects a 60% year-over-year revenue increase.

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"We're anticipating growth and investing accordingly," said David Lonsdale, President. "M&A markets are starting to blossom again after the turbulence of the last two years. The S&P 500 have $800 billion in cash on their balance sheets. Private equity groups are eager to put money to work. And, as the economic climate is stabilizing, we're seeing valuations improve."

Lonsdale emphasized that because consolidation in the investment banking industry has left the middle-market underserved, Allegiance Capital is enviably positioned in a space where demand is growing and competition is limited.  "We're the premier investment bank for companies with $5 to $50 million in EBITDA," he said. The firm was named Boutique Investment Bank of the Year by M&A Advisor magazine. The firm announced new offices in Seattle earlier this year and plans to establish a presence in London by year-end.

Omar Diaz and Brad Curtis will lead the Chicago team.

With 13 years' investment banking experience, Mr. Diaz has worked on more than 60 M&A transactions and raised more than $15 billion for clients in a variety of industries including: alternative energy, chemicals, engineering and construction, general industrial products, metals, oil field services, plastics and technology.

Mr. Curtis' background is a unique blend of operating, private equity, financial advisory, and investment banking experience.  During his 13-year career, he has worked as a principal for companies involved in M&A transactions and has also served as a financial advisor on both buy- and sell-side transactions largely focused on the consumer sector. As an investment banker, Mr. Curtis has run a broad range of buy- and sell-side processes and capital raising initiatives for middle market companies and entrepreneur-founded companies resulting in premium valuations.

"Chicago is a hub for middle market companies. It's a strategic location for us," Lonsdale added. "Mr. Diaz and Mr. Curtis bring leadership to our Chicago office that will serve clients very well and establish Allegiance Capital solidly in the Midwest. Both have exceptional track records."

"I'm very happy to be part of the Allegiance Capital team and believe that together we offer unparalleled services to business owners in the middle market. Many of Allegiance Capital's bankers, like me, have led entrepreneurial enterprises. We understand our clients' perspectives: financial, operational and personal," said Curtis.

"I'm pleased to be part of Allegiance Capital," said Diaz. "Collectively, we provide sophisticated strategic and financial advisory services to the middle market that surpass the traditional standard."

Allegiance Capital's Chicago offices are located in: Willis Tower, 233 South Wacker Drive, Suite 8400, Chicago, IL  60606. The phone number is: 312-283-8440.

About Allegiance Capital

Allegiance Capital Corporation is a full-service investment banking firm specializing in the middle market (companies with revenue from $20 million to $500 million), with offices in Chicago, Dallas, New York, Madrid, Minneapolis/St. Paul, Seattle, and Shanghai.  Through its global network, Allegiance Capital assists companies in every aspect of selling and financing a business, including debt restructuring, mezzanine financing, advice on leveraged buy outs, strategic partnering, consulting and other related services.  For more information, refer to the company website: www.allcapcorp.com.

SOURCE Allegiance Capital Corporation