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Primus Financial Takes Controlling Interest In US Broker

Hong Kong financial services provider
Primus Financial has taken a controlling interest in US bond
broker
Chapdelaine & Co.
The size of the transaction was not disclosed in both companies'
statement, although it is understood that the broker will carry a
book value of about $100 million on closing. The purchase will be
primarily funded by Primus affiliate
PFH Partnership Holdings and employees of Chapdelaine will
own a significant stake at the deal's completion.
"This important capital infusion will allow us to move forward
with our objectives of widening our geographic footprint and
adding top industry talent to enhance our client service and
execution capabilities," said
Geoffrey Coley, the chief executive officer of
Chapdelaine.
Should the deal obtain regulatory approval, this will the second
acquisition by the Hong Kong firm since it was established in
April 2009. Primus, through a partnership with China Strategic
Holdings Ltd, had bought American International Group's insurance
arm in Taiwan for $2.15 billion in October.
Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP acted as legal counsel for Primus
and PFH, while Sullivan & Cromwell LP represented
Chapdelaine.