Citigroup has hired two senior bankers, Michael Seifert and James Ord, to bolster its UK mergers and acquisitions team, according to sources familiar with the matter. The move underscores the bank's commitment to expanding its advisory business in London amid a competitive market for top dealmaking talent.
New Appointments Strengthen M&A Capabilities
Michael Seifert joins from Barclays, where he was a managing director in the financial institutions group. He brings over 15 years of experience advising on complex cross-border transactions. James Ord arrives from Rothschild & Co, where he focused on UK and European M&A. Both will report to Citigroup's head of UK M&A, Andrew Balfour.
The appointments come as Citigroup seeks to capture a larger share of UK dealmaking activity, which has shown resilience despite economic headwinds. The bank has been actively recruiting senior bankers across Europe, particularly in sectors like financial services, technology, and healthcare.
Strategic Expansion in London
Citigroup's UK M&A team now comprises more than 20 bankers, positioning it to compete with larger rivals such as Goldman Sachs and Morgan Stanley. The bank has advised on several high-profile UK transactions recently, including the sale of British pharmacy chain Boots to Sycamore Partners.
Industry observers note that hiring experienced bankers like Seifert and Ord signals Citigroup's long-term commitment to the London market, despite Brexit uncertainties. The bank has also expanded its European M&A team in Frankfurt and Paris.
The new hires are expected to start in the coming weeks, pending regulatory approvals. Citigroup declined to comment on the appointments.
