History

Collins Stewart traces its origins back to May 1991 when it started as a partnership with Singer & Friedlander Securities Limited.

It established a private client business through the acquisition of Greig Middleton's Channel Islands and Isle of Man business in 1996 and the New York business, Collins Stewart Inc. was established in 1999.

The company was acquired through a management buy-out in May 2000 and in October that year it was listed on the main market of the London Stock Exchange.

In 2001 the private client business was enhanced with the acquisition of the UK private client business of NatWest Stockbrokers.

Between 2003 and 2004 Collins Stewart provided a consolidation platform for the rapidly expanding inter-dealer broking sector. It first acquired Tullett Liberty in March 2003 and then Prebon in October 2004, thus creating Tullett Prebon the world's second largest inter-dealer broker.

The acquisition of the Jersey and Isle of Man based Insinger de Beaufort (International) Limited in October 2005 further added to the private client business.

Expansion in Asia occurred in February 2007 with the establishment of a joint venture with Inga Advisors a leading Indian merchant bank, creating Collins Stewart Inga.

In December 2006 Collins Stewart was demerged from Collins Stewart Tullett plc, and was re-listed on the main market of the London Stock Exchange. At the same time Collins Stewart Tullett plc, which then comprised only the inter dealer broker business, was renamed Tullett Prebon. At this time £300 million was returned to shareholders.

Following its demerger and listing, Collins Stewart plc continued to grow. First with the acquisition of Hawkpoint Partners, the UK’s leading independent corporate advisory business in January 2007. In July 2007 Collins Stewart acquired the New York investment bank, CE Unterberg Towbin which was integrated with the existing Collins Stewart Inc., creating a significant business in North America.