Macquarie Capital initiates expanded coverage of Industrials in Americas with senior appointments

• Robert Bayer, Ajay Singh join to head industrials coverage in the Americas
• Bayer to lead Paper and Packaging, Singh to lead Chemicals coverage across Americas, Europe and Asia
• Steven Kongmuang appointed Senior Vice President on industrials team, focused on building products, materials and distribution

Macquarie Capital, the corporate advisory, capital markets and principal investment arm of Macquarie Group (ASX: MQG; ADR: MQBKY), today announced that it is initiating expanded coverage of the industrials sector in the Americas, led by two newly appointed executives.

Robert Bayer and Ajay Singh have joined Macquarie Capital as Senior Managing Directors and will be Co-Heads of Industrials in the Americas. In addition, Mr. Bayer will lead Macquarie Capital’s coverage of the paper and packaging sector in the Americas, Europe and Asia, while Mr. Singh will lead coverage of the chemicals sector across the same regions. Both will support and leverage Macquarie’s capabilities across geographies and business lines.

Mr. Bayer joins Macquarie Capital from Guggenheim Partners, where he was a Senior Managing Director leading the firm’s paper and packaging coverage. Previously, Mr. Bayer was Managing Director and Head of Packaging, Paper and Forest Products at Jefferies Group. Before that, he held senior positions specializing in paper and forest products at Bank of America Merrill Lynch.

Mr. Singh comes to Macquarie Capital from UBS, where he was Managing Director, Global Head of Chemicals for more than 10 years, establishing and expanding industry-leading coverage of the sector. He built relationships with leading financial sponsors as well as chemical companies globally, including clients in China, India, Israel, Brazil, Germany, Canada and Japan. Before UBS, he covered chemical companies at Donaldson, Lufkin & Jenrette and Credit Suisse First Boston after its acquisition of DLJ.

Also joining Macquarie Capital’s industrials team in the Americas is Steven Kongmuang, a Senior Vice President who will focus on building products, materials and distribution. He will be based in Chicago, report to Mr. Bayer and Mr. Singh and joins Macquarie Capital from Credit Suisse, where he was a Director in the firm’s industrials practice.

The industrials sector is a major focus for the financial sponsor community, a core constituency of Macquarie Capital. The industrials team will focus on M&A, debt and equity capital raisings and providing customized solutions to clients globally that may incorporate Macquarie Capital’s principal investing capability.

“Financial sponsors are highly active in the industrials sector and continue to drive robust transaction activity. Rob and Ajay are seasoned advisors who can help us make a leap forward in our sector coverage. Steven will help us serve clients in the building products, materials and distribution spaces,” said Michael Silverton, Head of Macquarie Capital, Americas, Europe and Asia. “Our platform – which features leading leveraged finance and principal investing capabilities – will provide Rob and Ajay with additional tools to support clients and deliver value.”

“Both Rob and Ajay have the industry expertise and relationships to complement our domestic and cross-border M&A offering,” said Robert Bertagna, Vice Chairman and Head of Mergers & Acquisitions at Macquarie Capital.

Macquarie Capital has been active in industrials globally. In Germany, it advised Bosch Mahle Turbo Systems on its sale to FountainVest Partners and made a principal investment in Schur Flexibles. Other engagements include advising the UK’s 3i Group Plc on the sale of its GEKA Holding GmbH unit to Sulzer Ltd. In the US, Macquarie Capital advised Loews Corporation on the acquisition of Consolidated Container Company and provided financing. It also acted as joint bookrunner and joint lead arranger on a cross-border financing package for Solenis International.