BGEO subsidiary wins best investment bank in Georgia

BGEO Group announced on Wednesday that its banking business subsidiary, JSC Galt & Taggart, has been recognised as the best investment bank in Georgia for 2018 by Global Finance for the fourth consecutive year.

The FTSE 250 company said the editorial review board of the Global Finance magazine selected the winners based on inputs from industry experts.

It said the criteria for selection included market share, number and size of deals, service and advice, structuring capabilities, distribution network, efforts to address market conditions, innovation, pricing, aftermarket performance of underwritings and market reputation.

Deals announced or completed by Galt & Taggart in 2017 were considered during the selection.

“I am pleased to see that Galt & Taggart continues to be regarded as the best provider of investment banking services in Georgia,” said Bank of Georgia CEO Kaha Kiknavelidze.

“Since 2014, the company has acted as a lead or co-lead manager of the bonds issued locally by the corporate sector, as well as development finance institutions.”

Kiknavelidze said the volume of those transactions exceeded GEL 1bn, which he described as an “impressive milestone” for Galt & Taggart in facilitating the development of local capital markets.

“Furthermore, excellent advisory and research services, coupled with access to a large international investor base, enable Galt & Taggart to attract more interest towards the country and the regional markets.”