Piper Jaffray Expands Healthcare Investment Banking, Appoints Head of West Coast Biotechnology

05/20/2013 | 09:54:43 AM

MINNEAPOLIS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--May. 20, 2013-- Piper Jaffray (NYSE: PJC), a leading investment bank and asset management firm, today announced that Andrew Gitkin joined the firm as managing director and head of West Coast biotechnology investment banking. Gitkin will be based in the firm’s San Francisco office.

Gitkin brings nearly 20 years of healthcare financial services experience to Piper Jaffray. He joins the firm from Moelis & Co., where he was a senior investment banker in the life sciences investment banking group. Gitkin’s prior experience includes positions in investment banking, equity research and asset management.

Gitkin has been recognized as part of the Institutional Investor All-America team on numerous occasions for his prior research coverage of biotechnology, healthcare services, medical supplies and technology. He is a graduate of Emory University in Atlanta.

“Our healthcare group is a market-leading platform across life sciences, medical technology and healthcare services. Andrew brings extensive experience advising emerging companies in the biotech segment and advising consolidators with strategic direction. His experience makes him the ideal candidate to lead and grow our West Coast biotech efforts,” commented Bob DeSutter, head of Piper Jaffray healthcare investment banking.

"Andrew is a great addition to our healthcare team,” added Chad Abraham, global co-head of investment banking and capital markets at Piper Jaffray. “Biotech is a strategic growth area for the firm and Andrew’s hire highlights our continued focus on this franchise to leverage our highly ranked advisory and equities business.”

Earlier this year, Piper Jaffray expanded its banking team by hiring investment bankers, Peter Day and Jeff Ammerman who joined the firm from Leerink Swan and Jefferies, respectively.

Piper Jaffray has a global healthcare investment banking and capital markets team of 48. Since 2007, the team has represented clients in 238 transactions with an aggregate value of $39 billion. In addition, the firm’s 10 healthcare senior research analysts cover a broad spectrum of sectors, including specialty pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, medical technology, drug discovery, medical diagnostics, life science tools and healthcare services, including information technology and alternate site providers.

About Piper Jaffray

Piper Jaffray is a leading investment bank and asset management firm serving clients in the U.S. and internationally. Our proven advisory teams combine deep industry, product and sector expertise with ready access to capital. Founded in 1895, the firm is headquartered in Minneapolis and has offices across the United States and in London and Zurich. www.piperjaffray.com

Since 1895. Member SIPC and NYSE. © 2013 Piper Jaffray Companies, 800 Nicollet Mall, Suite 800, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55402-7020

Source: Piper Jaffray Companies

Piper Jaffray Companies
Pamela Steensland, 612-303-8184
pamela.k.steensland@pjc.com