Merrill Lynch has formally opened its new office in Moscow, which will house the firm’s full range of financial services including investment banking, equities, fixed income, currencies, commodities, structured products, and research.
The firm was granted broker and dealer licences in March last year and is also a member of the MICEX and RTS Stock Exchanges.
“Our Russian operation is perfectly representative of the firm’s focus on international growth and emerging markets. We have already established productive partnerships with Russian clients and the potential for further development is substantial. The opening of our new office is further evidence of our commitment to the Russian market,” says John A. Thain, chairman and CEO, Merrill Lynch.
The most recent deal completed in Moscow by the firm was for United Company Rusal where Merrill Lynch advised Rusal on its acquisition of a stake in MMC Norilsk Nickel from Onexim Group.
Merrill Lynch is also corporate broker to Gazprom, a global energy business leader, and global consultant to RAO Unified Energy System on its capital raising and disposal of shares in power generating companies.
“We have already had significant success in Russia. Now that we have the full complement of banking services to offer clients, we look forward to deepening our roots in this exciting marketplace,” says Sergey Aleksashenko, chairman, Merrill Lynch Russia.