Meet the German bank hiring junior M&A bankers in London (it’s not Deutsche)

Based upon the recent performance of its M&A business, Deutsche Bank could benefit from hiring some new M&A bankers. Indeed, it says it wants to hire some new M&A bankers – particularly for the U.S. market.

In London, however, Deutsche doesn’t seem to be in the market for M&A ‘talents,’ but another German bank is: DVB Bank, a transportation and shipping specialist.

While other banks wait until bonuses have been paid before picking up new staff, DVB has been quick off the mark in 2017. So far this month it’s already added Michael Waterson, formerly of Duff & Phelps, as an assistant vice president, and Henry MacLellan, formerly of Moelis & Co, as an associate, both in corporate finance.

There's also evidence of hiring activity at DVB towards the end of last year. In November, it picked up RBS restructuring veteran Nick Little for its credit and asset solutions group, along with Joris Schuit from J.P. Morgan for corporate finance.

The fact that MacLellan only spent 10 months at Moelis before moving on doesn’t seem to have discouraged DVB from recruiting him. There are indications that DVB offers fast promotion: Stian Duesund, an assistant vice president in the credit and asset solutions group was promoted after only one year as an analyst.

M&A recruiters caution against becoming too excited, however: “This is not a big name bank,” says one.

Meanwhile, firms like Evercore are still in the market for M&A hires in London while big banks like Nomura and Bank of America Lynch are said to be issuing mandates for junior recruits.  Technology boutiques like GCA Savvian (which merged with Altium last year May) and GP Bullhound (with UK offices in London and Manchester) are understood to be recruiting too.

“2017 is starting really well. The big boutiques are already hiring and we’re hopeful about the rest of the year,” says Andy Pringle at recruitment firm Circle Square.

Contact: sbutcher@efinancialcareers.com

Photo credit: NOW HIRING by ***Karen is licensed under CC BY 2.0.