Raymond James has launched a dedicated ESOP Advisory practice within its investment banking division, expanding its capabilities in ownership-transition and corporate finance advisory.  

The new platform will lead execution of tax-advantaged ESOP and related transactions for family-, founder-, and employee-owned companies, while supporting existing ESOP-owned businesses seeking growth or recapitalization. 

“As more companies choose to remain private longer, the need for tax-efficient ownership transition strategies is growing,” said Steve Hufford, senior managing director and head of Investment Banking at Raymond James. “Mark’s extensive experience in this unique space will help deliver meaningful results to clients.” 

Mark Buchanan will lead the practice as managing director and head of ESOP Advisory, overseeing all ESOP-related M&A transaction advisory and execution efforts for the firm’s privately held institutional clients. Based in Dallas, Buchanan joins from Stout, where he led its ESOP investment banking effort for the past three years, with prior experience at Macquarie Capital, BMO Harris Bank, and Credit Suisse. 

“With Raymond James now offering ESOP Advisory services to complement its comprehensive suite for business owners, I look forward to building the practice and helping clients and their employees grow wealth in a meaningful way,” Buchanan said. 

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