A veteran investment banking team and CAC Specialty today announced the formation of Silvercliff Partners LLC, an independent advisory, investment and merchant banking platform.  The Firm will deliver bespoke and unconflicted advisory, capital solutions, and strategic consulting to public and private clients across all energy verticals.  Silvercliff specializes in the natural resources sector and will focus on both traditional and non-traditional ideas to assist clients in navigating an evolving energy landscape. Additionally, Silvercliff’s affiliation with CAC Specialty yields a relationship that combines comprehensive capital markets access with creative risk management solutions.

Silvercliff will be led by a team of seasoned investment bankers with differentiated perspectives, deep industry relationships, diverse professional backgrounds and experience spanning capital markets, M&A, restructuring along with financial and strategic advisory. Will Harrison, Jordan Davis and Michael Grabenstein collectively have more than 35 years of experience in investment banking and corporate development in the energy industry and will lead the firm as Managing Partners. David Bradshaw, a Senior Partner who has more than 30 years of research, investment banking and capital markets experience will also join the team. Jack Leventhal, CAC Senior Managing Director and Head of Investment Banking, will Chair the Board of Managers, and Paul Sparks, Chairman of CAC Specialty, will also serve as a Director.

“The realignment of the natural resources sector has created the need for an independent advisory team with creativity, flexibility, and a non-traditional approach to serve the increasingly complex needs of energy clients,” Davis said. “Our unique capabilities, capital markets reach, nimbleness and ability to partner with our clients provide a much-needed advisory paradigm shift, especially in the energy sector.”

“The production and consumption of energy is an important component of the global economy.  The launch of Silvercliff Partners dramatically enhances CAC Specialty’s ability to deliver impactful strategic advisory and investment and merchant banking capabilities to this evolving industry,” said Leventhal.

“I am enthused to be part of a platform that has the flexibility to not only focus on the achievement of client goals, but to partner with them,” said Bradshaw. “As energy is such a dynamic sector, the ability to think outside-the-box and be nimble is critical.”

Silvercliff will be jointly owned by CAC Specialty and the Silvercliff management team, which prides itself on its objectivity and independence.  The firm will be headquartered in Houston with an office in Washington, DC.

Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP and Skadden LLP advised the Management Team in the transaction.  CAC Specialty was advised by Maynard, Cooper & Gale.