Raymond James is expanding its European Investment Banking footprint by launching an investment banking presence in Paris. To lead this effort, the firm has appointed Franck Portais as Managing Director and Head of France. This strategic move builds on Raymond James’ momentum in London, Munich, and Frankfurt.
With over 25 years of corporate finance experience, Portais brings deep expertise across M&A, debt advisory, and strategic mandates. He has advised entrepreneurs, corporates, private equity funds, and family businesses across Europe. Before joining Raymond James, he served at Alantra and previously at goetzpartners Corporate Finance in Paris. He is a graduate of ESCP Europe and holds a Diplom-Kaufmann in Finance.
“France is a key growth market for us and one in which we’ve already been successful in winning mandates from French companies,” said Allan Bertie, head of European Investment Banking. “Hiring Franck and opening an office in Paris is an important step to continue growing our European presence and demonstrates that our expertise and relationships here are impactful. This new office and the expanded geographical coverage also deepens our commitment to our clients in private equity, corporates and founder owned businesses, giving us more insights and tailored transaction ideas to bring to this key constituency.”
“I am delighted to join Raymond James and to contribute to the further development of the European platform,” said Portais. “There is a need in France from entrepreneurs, private equity investors and corporates for high quality corporate finance advisory with a true integrated global reach and a sector focused approach to deliver outstanding results.”
Raymond James entered the European investment banking market in 2016 through the acquisition of Mummert & Company and opened an office in London in 2017. In that time, the firm’s presence has grown to include more than 80 investment banking professionals in the UK and 45 professionals across Germany. Raymond James has had an equity sales office in Paris for nearly 40 years and this expanded presence in the city will further strengthen key client relationships in France and meet their growing demand for Investment Banking services.
Raymond James offers a highly regarded equity offering and advisory practice. Since 2020, the firm has completed more than 1,000 M&A and other strategic advisory assignments and has participated in raising over $227 billion in capital for our U.S. corporate clients.
