Piper Jaffray announced that it has entered a definitive agreement to acquire Edgeview Partners, L.P., a leading middle-market advisory firm specializing in mergers and acquisitions. Piper Jaffray and Edgeview Partners have very complementary investment banking businesses with a shared focus on exceptional client service. The combination further strengthens Piper Jaffray’s M&A leadership in the middle market and adds significant resources dedicated to the private equity community.

“We are pleased to welcome this highly experienced team of M&A professionals to our firm. Edgeview’s client-centric culture, middle-market advisory capabilities and financial sponsors focus is well-aligned with our business,” Andrew Duff, chairman and CEO of Piper Jaffray said, “Expanding our M&A practice represents a key step forward in executing the firm’s growth strategy.”

Founded in 2001 and based in Charlotte, NC, Edgeview Partners provides merger and acquisition advisory services to middle-market clients and private equity firms across a broad range of industries including business services, transportation and logistics, industrials, healthcare, applied technology, building products and consumer sectors.

Commenting on the transaction, Scott LaRue, global co-head of Piper Jaffray investment banking and capital markets said, “Edgeview has an outstanding track record and reputation for providing best-in-class M&A advisory services. We look forward to pairing our strong industry expertise, strategic relationships, financial sponsor coverage teams and global reach to accelerate the growth of our combined M&A business.”

“We are excited about what this combination achieves for our firm, our employees, and our clients,” said Ted Garner, partner at Edgeview Partners. “Piper Jaffray is a firm that shares our client-driven culture and execution-focused model. In addition, their commitment to the middle market and the private equity community fits perfectly with Edgeview. Our clients will benefit from expanded product capabilities, deeper sector expertise and broadened international reach while our employees will realize outstanding career opportunities.”

The transaction is subject to regulatory approval and customary closing conditions and expected to close in the third quarter of 2013. Terms of the transaction are undisclosed.

Piper Jaffray is a leading investment bank and asset management firm serving clients in the U.S. and internationally.