The Swiss-based Vontobel Group has established a presence in the UK by opening an equity brokerage office in London. It will offer the full range of institutional brokerage services including independent equity research of Swiss and selected European companies, investment expertise and execution. It is understood that the bank has long-term designs on the UK's private client market. Vontobel Investment Banking will expand its brokerage activities by adding a London-based sales force to its existing team as of May 2007. The London team is led by managing director Robin Bagchi, who previously headed the London-based brokerage team at Lombard Odier Darier Hentsch. Zeno Staub, Head of Investment Banking: "Vontobel Group considers the institutional community in London a highly important market. Expanding our office will extend our commitment to the community and further develop our international relationships. We are confident that the London institutional community will respond positively to our full range of brokerage solutions which include independent research of Swiss companies, investment expertise and leading edge execution capabilities."