Evolution Group plc is a leading British-based financial services business. It is headquartered in London and is a former constituent of the FTSE 250 Index. It was acquired by Investec in 2011.
 | |
| Industry | Financial services |
|---|---|
| Founded | 1999 |
| Headquarters | London, UK |
Key people | Martin Gray, Chairman Alex Snow, CEO |
| Revenue | £129.4 million (2009)[1] |
| £11.1 million (2009)[1] | |
| £9.2 million (2009)[1] | |
| Parent | Investec |
History
editThe Company, formed in 1999 as Evestment plc, was initially listed on the Alternative Investment Market.[2] In 2000 it merged with Christows, a west country stockbroker.[3] In 2001 it bought a research house known as Evolution Capital and changed its own name to Evolution Group.[3]
It went on to merge with Beeson Gregory in 2002[4] and to acquire Williams de Broë in 2006.[5]
On 12 November 2004, Evolution Beeson Gregory was fined £500,000 by the Financial Services Authority for executing trades that distorted the market.[6] Evolution sold short 252% of the share capital of Room Service Group plc without any plan to settle the trades. Evolution's head of market making Christopher Potts was also fined £75,000.[7]
It was acquired by Investec in 2011.[8]
The Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation added live dealer entertainment. At the end of October 2021, the Corporation announced its cooperation with the Evolution company.[citation needed]
Operations
editThe Group is organised into two activities:
- Evolution Securities: investment banking for mid-market companies
- Williams de Broë: stockbroking and fund management
References
edit- ^ a b c "Preliminary Results 2009". Archived from the original on 16 July 2011. Retrieved 25 March 2010.
- ^ "Evolution Group: History". Archived from the original on 19 March 2009. Retrieved 21 March 2009.
- ^ a b Abbot in talks to buy back EVC Christows[dead link] Independent, 11 February 2001
- ^ Evolution agrees to buy Beeson Gregory Independent, 31 May 2002
- ^ Evolution in exclusive talks to buy Williams de Broë for £30m Independent, 3 May 2006
- ^ Evolution fined for a new style of market abuse Citywire, 12 November 2004
- ^ Stockbroker fined £500,000 in FSA's first 'market distortion' case The Guardian, Jill Treanor, 13 November 2004
- ^ Investec wins fight for Evolution with £230m deal The Telegraph, 9 September 2011