Wasserstein Perella Increases Automotive Focus
6 November 1998
Wasserstein Perella Increases Automotive Focus, Hires Leading Industry Analyst Scott Merlis and Associate Mark Sylvester
NEW YORK--(AutomotiveWire)--Nov. 6, 1998--Wasserstein Perella is increasing its presence and expertise in the automotive industry with the addition of leading analyst Scott F. Merlis, and his associate, Mark E. Sylvester.
Michael Biondi, chairman and chief executive officer of Wasserstein Perella & Co., said: "Mr. Merlis' extensive automotive research experience and strong relationships with senior executives in the global automotive industry will complement our established investment banking expertise, making Wasserstein Perella a significant force in the automotive sector."
Mr. Merlis, a top-ranked auto analyst for nearly two decades, joins Wasserstein Perella Securities, Inc. as a Managing Director and head of the company's automotive research team. Mr. Merlis, 43, had been president of Merlis Automotive International, Inc. (MAI), the respected Westport, Conn.-based research and advisory firm he founded in 1995. Among other engagements, MAI played a key role with Echlin Inc. prior to its acquisition by Dana Corp in May. Before starting his own company, Mr. Merlis headed the highly regarded global automotive research team at Morgan Stanley, where he was involved in more than $9 billion in transactions and helped the firm's automotive investment banking franchise gain a leading market share position. During that period, Mr. Merlis accompanied former Secretary of Defense Dick Cheney in meetings with top government officials of the Peoples Republic of China in 1994, and he advised the Bush administration and Congress as a member of Auto Parts Advisory Committee (APAC). He received an M.B.A. from Columbia University, and a B.A. from Brandeis University.
Mr. Sylvester, 27, also joins Wasserstein Perella from Merlis Automotive International, and he will assist Mr. Merlis in his research activities. At Merlis Automotive, Mr. Sylvester was Senior Research Associate with responsibilities for company and industry research, financial modeling and company valuations. Previously, he was a finance analyst at venture capital firm Ladenburg, Thalmann & Co., Inc. He is a graduate of Bryant College, where he received a B.A. in finance.
Wasserstein Perella is a leading international investment bank that provides its clients with advisory services, equity and debt underwriting, merchant banking and other asset management services worldwide. Wasserstein Perella has offices in New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Dallas, Houston, London, Paris, Frankfurt and Tokyo.