BLP guns for Close Bros after Osborne Clarke raid

Berwin Leighton Paisner's (BLP) private equity practice is eyeing Close Brothers and Matrix Securities after hiring Osborne Clarke partner Geraint Lloyd.

In addition to his work for Matrix, Lloyd's practice is predominantly focused on his longstanding relationship with certain members of the Close Brothers Group. He works across several divisions on private equity-backed M&A transactions, development and venture capital and real estate funds.

Both Matrix and Close Brothers would be new clients for BLP.

Lloyd said: "I have greatly enjoyed my time at Osborne Clarke, but have been offered an opportunity to broaden my experience while continuing to work with Close Brothers."

BLP head of corporate finance David Collins said Lloyd's arrival in July would represent a significant building block in the firm's strategy. It has been rebuilding the practice since losing partners Chris Mackie and Fabrizio Carpanini to Olswang three years ago.