New Managing Director to Lead European Consumer Coverage from London

Baird, an employee-owned, international financial services firm, announced today that Robert Foster has joined the firm’s Global Investment Banking business as a Managing Director on its Global Consumer Team.  An established veteran with 25 years of industry experience, Foster will lead Baird’s European Consumer Banking coverage, working in close partnership with Boris Partin and other senior investment bankers to further expand Baird’s Global Consumer franchise across the region. He will be based out of Baird’s London office.

Foster joins Baird from Jefferies where he was European Head of Consumer & Retail Investment Banking and led dozens of successful transactions in ecommerce, health & wellness, pet care, home, foodservice, consumer services, retail and luxury goods. He was also a member of Jefferies’ Global M&A Review Committee and Global Equity Review and Commitment Committee. Prior to Jefferies, he served as a senior investment banker and EMEA Head of Retail at Morgan Stanley after starting his investment banking career at UBS.  Foster received a bachelor’s degree with honours from Queen’s University in Kingston, Canada and a master’s degree from Trinity College in Dublin, Ireland.

Baird’s Global Consumer Investment Banking team has experienced significant transaction momentum in Europe in recent months, advising on the following transactions since November:

• Germany-based Canyon Bicycles’ sale to Netherlands-based GBL;
• U.K.-based Hovis’ sale to U.K. private equity investor Endless;
• Norwegian-based Herkules Capital’s sale of Switzerland-based Odlo and Bravura Sports to Monte Rosa; and
• Careismatic Brands’ acquisition by Swiss-based Partners Group

“We are very pleased that Robert has decided to join Baird,” said Brian McDonagh, Co-Head of Baird Global Investment Banking and Head of Baird’s Global Consumer Investment Banking group. “He brings considerable knowledge of the industry and significant transaction experience to our platform and adding him to our team enhances our already valued and differentiated offering to our clients. We are excited for and confident of continued and ongoing growth and success of our Consumer franchise in the months and years to come.”

Foster added: “I have watched over the years as Baird’s Global Consumer Investment Banking business has moved from strength to strength, consistently delivering first class results for their clients internationally. I am delighted to join this talented, principled and highly successful group of professionals. I look forward to serving our clients together and driving our business in Europe to new heights.”

Further information

www.rwbaird.com