Grant Samuel co-chief Guy Fergusson walks

afr.com:

Grant Samuel co-chief executive Guy Fergusson is set to step away from the investment advisory boutique after four years in the top job, Street Talk understands.

Local advisory firm Grant Samuel is in the crosshairs of a global firm. Karl Hilzinger

The move comes months after the firm, founded by Graeme Samuel and Ross Grant in 1998, received a takeover approach from an unknown international firm.

A client memo, seen by Street Talk, said Fergusson was leaving to “focus on his other interests here and overseas”. Friday will be his last day.

“On behalf of the entire team we thank Guy for his loyal, unwavering service and contributions,” executive chairman Doug Bartlett said.

Fergusson was elevated to co-CEO alongside Damien Elias in 2019 and led a number of Grant Samuel’s most important relationships and transactions. He joined the firm in 2009 and served as its managing director of capital advisory for more than a decade, partnering with Rob Jenkins.

Prior, he worked in the investment banking divisions of Deutsche Bank and UBS where he laboured over initial public offerings, debt financing and equity placements.

Street Talk understands the proposal for a sale of 100 per cent of the company was rejected, but discussions remain ongoing for the sale of a half stake in the group. Any transaction would need to be voted on by the managing director-owners and a handful of directors who also hold shares.

Documents filed with the corporate regulator show the company is largely owned by Grant Samuel Nominees Pty Ltd, although some individual senior figures – including Grant, executive chairman Doug Bartlett and managing director Stephen Wilson – also hold separate stakes.