OREANDA-NEWS. December 17, 2007. The Financial Times and Mergermarket named Renaissance Capital the No 1 M&A Advisor for Russia in 2007 for achieving notable excellence in managing M&A transactions and advising clients.

Chris Baxter, Renaissance Chairman International, said "This is a huge tribute to the hard work of many people over a long period of time. Renaissance has been distinctive in its approach to M&A focusing on adding real value for clients. This prestigious award, against the strongest competition, recognizes the leadership position and reputation we have established in the M&A field."

In 2007 Renaissance Capital demonstrated its unrivalled expertise in M&A having managed a number of very significant deals. It advised Onexim Group on the exchange of its 25% stake in Norlisk Nickel with a strategic investor. In addition Renaissane Capital advised Ilim Pulp, Kopeika, Dixi, MTV, Celtic and Ruzskaya Confectionary Factory on their transactions in 2007. In the oil & gas sector Renaissance Capital consolidated itself as the advisor of choice having advised BP on the agreed disposal of its interest in Russia Petroleum to Gazprom as well as Surgutneftegas on the disposal of its ESP subsidiary Kondaneft. It is currently advising Victoria oil and gas on its restructuring.

The FT and Mergermarket Award is unique in utilizing both empirical M&A transaction data and independent expert opinions to identify the winners. The selection procedure is a three stage process designed to select a winner in the most objective, comprehensive and equitable way. The Awards are deliberately being held at the year end to ensure that the majority of deals announced in 2007 are included for consideration.

The announcement was made yesterday evening at a ceremony in London. The nominees shortlisted included Morgan Stanley, ABN Amro, Citigroup, UBS, Deutsche Bank, Troika Dialog.