Avendus Capital, a leading financial services firm headquartered in India, today announced the appointment of renowned economist and currency expert, Professor Eisuke Sakakibara to its Advisory Council. Avendus has emerged as a leading advisor for cross-border M&As having closed 40 transactions since 2007. This move marks Avendus’ strategic expansion plan into the Indo-Japanese investments and deals corridor.

Prof. Sakakibara served as Japan’s Vice Minister of Finance and International Affairs, has held many positions with the government of Japan and is renowned as a key advisor to the Democratic Party of Japan. Prof. Sakakibara joined Japan’s Ministry of Finance in 1965 and has served as an economist at the International Monetary Fund, Deputy Director of the First Insurance Division, Director of Planning and Research at the International Finance Bureau. He also serves as President, Institute for Indian Economic Studies (IIES), a foundation which focuses on promoting India Japan collaboration. IIES counts among its advisory board the President and CEO of Mitsubishi Corporation, President and CEO of Suzuki Motor Corporation, Chairman of The Sumitomo Trust and Banking among other well established Japanese and Indian corporate leaders. His insights on how Japanese corporations work come from his strong relationships with decision makers in Japan.

Welcoming Prof. Sakakibara on board, Ranu Vohra, Managing Director & CEO, Avendus Capital said, “We are delighted to have Prof. Sakakibara on our advisory council. His experience with the Govt of Japan and his expertise in the areas of business, international finance and policy making is of immense value and will support our strategic plans. His insights and relationships in Japan and understanding of India will prove invaluable for our clients looking to tap Japan for capital or partners while giving us firsthand experience that will help us in advising Japanese companies who want to expand and grow in India.”

Sakakibara said, “I am very happy to be a part of Avendus. I look forward to working with the team here and in the process apply my experience to help the firm continue its rapid rise and international expansion. Since India remains an important destination for Japanese companies and investors, Avendus with its strong record of cross border transactions will be the right partner for them.”

With deals worth US $ 2.2 bn closed in 2011, Avendus Capital is the leading Indian financial services firm by a number of deals (Source: Bloomberg M&A league tables 2011). Avendus Capital has stayed among the top bankers for Initial Public Offers (IPO) for the past 18 months despite difficult market conditions (Source: Prime Database league tables for the period Jan 2011 to Apr 2012).

About Avendus Capital

Avendus Capital is a leading financial services firm which provides customised solutions in the areas of financial advisory, equity capital markets and wealth management. The firm relies on its extensive track record, in-depth domain understanding and knowledge of the economic and regulatory environment, to offer research based solutions to its clients that include institutional investors, corporates and high net worth families. In recent years, Avendus Capital has consistently been ranked among the top-five corporate finance advisors in India and has emerged as the advisor of choice for cross-border M&A deals and has closed 40 cross-border transactions in the past 4 years. Avendus Securities through its Institutional Equities practice is able to offer best-in-class research-driven advice to help its clients take investment decisions, while Avendus PE Investment Advisors manages funds raised from its investors by investing in public markets and private equity. Headquartered in Mumbai, the firm has offices in New Delhi and Bangalore. Avendus Capital, Inc (US) and Avendus Capital (UK) Pvt. Ltd. located in New York and London respectively are wholly owned subsidiaries offering M&A and Private Equity syndication services to clients in the respective regions.

For more information, please visit www.avendus.com