Asia’s global investment bank, Nomura has announced its plans to establish a branch in South Africa on April 4, 2016, to provide local and international clients with investment banking services in the country.

The establishment of Nomura International plc, South Africa (Nomura South Africa) will enhance Nomura’s ability to provide investment banking services in South Africa, as well as provide Nomura with a platform for expansion into and across sub-Saharan Africa.

Jonathan Lewis, Nomura Head of EMEA, commented: “South Africa is a key economic hub on the African continent and global investors and corporates are increasing investment in the region.”

Nomura South Africa, which will be based in Cape Town, will focus on providing a relevant and tailored range of investment banking and risk solution services to further support its current and new clients in the region.

Nomura has also hired Jan Newman and Ben Lowther, previously of Newman Lowther & Associates, to lead its newly-established branch office and team in South Africa.

Newman has been appointed Head of Nomura South Africa and Head of Investment Banking, South Africa.
Lowther has been appointed Co-Head of Investment Banking in South Africa.

“The establishment of Nomura South Africa, led by Jan and Ben, will expand our global footprint and in-country capabilities in investment banking; and enable us to provide our clients with direct access to and insights on growth opportunities in sub-Saharan Africa,” said Lewis.

The appointments allow Newman and Lowther to continue their successful partnership under the Nomura umbrella, underpinned by over 40 years’ combined experience and an established track record in domestic and cross-border M&A transactions in the region.

The team will combine its strong local knowledge and execution capabilities with access to Nomura’s global network across multiple industries and geographies, including its highly active consumer / retail, industrial and natural resources sector teams.

Nomura has a strong track record of M&A and advisory in South Africa, having advised and financed private equity firm Brait on its acquisition of UK fashion retailer, New Look, in 2015, as well as acting as financial adviser to Coca-Cola Sabco on the proposed creation of Coca-Cola Beverages Africa, which was announced in 2014.

Jan Newman, Head of Nomura South Africa, said: “Over recent years, we have witnessed a strong flow of cross-border M&A activity, with a diverse mix of South African clients looking to build up their international exposure, and international clients considering new and increased investment in the region.”

“With Nomura’s established reputation, brand and global connectivity, Ben and I see our joining Nomura as a natural evolution of our successful historic partnership with Nomura. We look forward to bringing an enhanced and broadened range of investment banking services to our clients in South Africa, the wider region and internationally,” he said.