Blackstone Advisory Partners Strengthens German Presence with Leadership Appointment in Frankfurt
London, Frankfurt 2 July 2012 – The Blackstone Group L.P. (NYSE:BX) today announces that it is expanding and strengthening its international Blackstone Advisory Partners network with the appointment of Jan Weidner as a Senior Managing Director. Mr. Weidner will be responsible for the German speaking franchise for Blackstone Advisory Partners and will be based in Frankfurt.
Since the firm’s inception, Blackstone has advised clients on M&A deals representing over $495 billion in value and restructuring assignments involving around $1.1 trillion of total liabilities. Recent advisory activity in Germany includes restructurings such as Carl Zeiss, Deutsche Annington, and Jost, as well as advising E.ON AG on the sale of its US regulated utility operations to PPL Corporation.
Blackstone has also been an active investor in the German market since 2000. Blackstone’s office in Dusseldorf is led by Dr. Axel Herberg and focuses on identifying private equity opportunities. In the last two years, Blackstone affiliated funds have invested in Jack Wolfskin, the outdoor sporting goods retailer, Leica Camera AG, the premium camera and sport optics manufacturer, and in developing Germany’s largest fully financed offshore wind farm in the North Sea. This is in addition to previous private equity investments including Celanese, Deutsche Telekom, Ish, Kabel BW and Sulo, as well as real estate investments of both commercial and residential portfolios.
John Studzinski, Global Head of Blackstone Advisory Partners, commented: “Germany is and will continue to be among the top four global economies with significant opportunities to advise our clients on cross-border investments, acquisitions and funds flows. Blackstone has been and remains a significant advisor to and investor in German companies and Jan’s appointment will greatly strengthen our position in this market.”
Mr. Weidner added: “Blackstone’s Advisory practice comprises some of the most highly experienced experts in our industry and benefits from its unique ability to harness the intellectual capital and network of the entire firm, including the expertise and skills in our investing businesses. I’m delighted to be a part of it in this exciting time of international growth for our business.”
Mr. Weidner has over 25 years of corporate finance advisory experience in the German speaking market, advising successfully on a large number of M&A, restructuring, and capital market transactions in a broad range of industries. He started his career with JP Morgan and BHF-Bank and led Morgan Stanley’s M&A department in Germany until 2002. He joined Drueker & Co. in 2002 and merged the firm successfully into Leonardo & Co in 2007. Until 2012 he was Managing Director and member of Leonardo’s European operating committee.
About Blackstone
Blackstone is one of the world’s leading investment and advisory firms. We seek to create positive economic impact and long-term value for our investors, the companies we invest in, the companies we advise and the broader global economy. We do this through the commitment of our extraordinary people and flexible capital. Our alternative asset management businesses include the management of private equity funds, real estate funds, hedge fund solutions, credit-oriented funds and closed-end mutual funds. The Blackstone Group also provides various financial advisory services, including financial and strategic advisory, restructuring and reorganization advisory and fund placement services. Further information is available at www.blackstone.com. Follow us on twitter @blackstone.
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