Raymond James expands Financial Sponsors practice, hires experienced middle market private equity banker Blake Otté

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. – Raymond James has hired Blake Otté as a managing director in its Financial Sponsors Investment Banking group. Based in New York City, Otté will help private equity (PE) firms leverage Raymond James’ industry insight, execution expertise and long-standing dedication to the middle market space.

With more than 20 years of deal experience across investment banking, private equity, debt capital markets and commercial lending, Otté is a trusted partner to PE firms with a proven track record of identifying potential acquisitions, refinancing portfolio companies and monetizing investments.

“Blake is an established leader who, like Raymond James, believes in building long-term relationships,” said Jim Bunn, president of Global Equities & Investment Banking. “She will continue to build a broad and deep network with the private equity community, while tapping all aspects of Raymond James’ expertise and capabilities to deliver innovative ideas and top-tier execution on a broad range of transactions to our PE clients.”

Otté was previously the co-head of sponsor coverage for Stout Risius Ross Advisors, where she led a team that executed transactions across a number of sectors. She also previously worked in business development and origination roles with middle market private equity and commercial lending firms. Otté began her career at Morgan Stanley.

“After a tough couple of months due to COVID, private equity deal making rebounded in the third quarter and finished the year extremely strong,” said David Clark, head of the Financial Sponsors group. “The M&A market has continued to remain active in 2021, and we are working with our clients to identify compelling ideas, investment opportunities and creative solutions for their portfolio companies. Blake will partner with our existing team of talented professionals and enhance our ability to offer high-level attention on every transaction. She can draw upon her diverse experience to see a deal through the lens of a seller, investor and lender in order to deliver strong advice to her clients.”

About Raymond James Investment Banking

Raymond James Investment Banking offers highly regarded capital formation and financial advisory services. Since 2015, we have participated in raising nearly $300 billion in capital for our corporate clients and completed over 925 advisory assignments, including nearly 800 M&A buy-side or sell-side advisory assignments.

About Raymond James Financial, Inc.

Raymond James Financial, Inc. (NYSE: RJF) is a leading diversified financial services company providing private client group, capital markets, asset management, banking and other services to individuals, corporations and municipalities. The company has approximately 8,300 financial advisors. Total client assets are $1.13 trillion. Public since 1983, the firm is listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol RJF. Additional information is available at raymondjames.com.