OREANDA-NEWS. November 13, 2010. Renaissance Capital, the leading emerging markets investment bank, today begins Market Making on the London Stock Exchange Alternative Investment Market (AIM). It is the first emerging markets focused broker to offer investors the opportunity to trade in a portfolio of 50 leading mining and oil & gas stocks, such as London Mining, Petra Diamonds, Rockhopper Exploration, Falkland Oil & Gas, Ithaca Energy, Petroneft Resources, Coal of Africa, and other growing natural resources stocks. In the first half of 2010, mining and oil & gas raised nearly USD 1.4bn funds on AIM. The team will progressively expand this list with the ambition to eventually cover up to 300 stocks over the medium term.

The market making capability in these key growth sectors, which complements the banks existing primary capital markets and M&A offer, will be spearheaded by Robert Towers and Christopher Brown. They are both experienced and highly successful market makers, who have recently joined Renaissance to launch and develop its trading business. Robert, previously from Canaccord, helped to build a highly competitive market making model over the last six years. Chris, who joined the Canaccord team after a nine year stay at Charles Stanley Stockbrokers, has worked with Robert for the past three years. There, they built a renowned trading business in the sector gaining significant market share.

The launch of the trading business completes Renaissance Capital’s offer of full investment banking services. Through its strong presence in emerging markets where natural resources companies operate and supported by its partnership with Strand, Renaissance is one of the leading corporate finance and broking advisors to AIM listed stocks. Its award-winning (repeatedly ranked No 1 by Institutional Investor) research team already covers a wide range of mining and oil & gas stocks.  With this new launch, Renaissance provides the last missing element in its unique offer, with the ambition to become of the leading market makers on AIM.

Commenting on the announcement, Andrew Cornthwaite, Deputy CEO and Head of Investment Banking of Renaissance Capital, said:

“Renaissance has been aggressively growing its natural resources business. Having a strong trading business significantly strengthens our already highly competitive position. This new offer makes Renaissance a full AIM player and opens new business opportunities through synergies with other parts of our investment banking business. Chris and Rob are highly talented market makers with a long-standing reputation in the market and we are excited to see them join our ambitious team.”

Robert Towers said:

“Mining and oil & gas companies have shown tremendous growth since the end of the financial crisis and we expect a flurry of corporate and financial activity in the sector over the next couple of years, particularly among smaller growth stock listed on AIM. We believe in Renaissance entrepreneurial culture and our ability to grow this business to new levels in the next year.”