Houlihan Lokey Bolsters Asia Presence with Senior Hire in Financial Sponsors Group

Houlihan Lokey, a leading global investment bank, has announced the appointment of Angela Hu as a Managing Director in the Financial Sponsors Group, based in Hong Kong SAR. This strategic hire underscores the firm's commitment to expanding its presence in Asia and capitalizing on the region's growing economic significance and potential for M&A activity.

Angela Hu brings over 20 years of investment banking experience, with 16 years spent in Hong Kong SAR, where she most recently led financial sponsor coverage for Barclays in Greater China. Her extensive expertise in working with private equity and credit investors, coupled with her exceptional track record in complex M&A and capital markets transactions, will significantly enhance Houlihan Lokey's ability to support its businesses in Asia.

The firm's decision to hire a senior banker in Asia aligns with the region's growing economic importance. According to the Asian Development Bank, Asia's GDP is expected to grow by 5.2% in 2022 and 5.3% in 2023, driven by strong domestic demand and exports. This growth, coupled with the region's increasing integration into global supply chains, presents significant opportunities for M&A activity. In 2021, the total value of M&A deals involving Asian companies reached $684.5 billion, a 124% increase from the previous year, reflecting the region's growing economic significance.

Moreover, Houlihan Lokey's focus on the mid-market segment in Asia complements Angela Hu's expertise. The mid-market segment in Asia is expected to grow at a CAGR of 7.5% between 2021 and 2026, driven by factors such as increasing entrepreneurship, technological advancements, and government initiatives. By hiring Hu, the firm can tap into this growing market and provide valuable services to clients that may not have access to the resources and expertise of larger financial institutions.

The recent reduction in Houlihan Lokey's debt team is part of a broader restructuring of the business, which aims to focus on core strengths and streamline operations. This move complements the firm's overall strategy by allowing it to concentrate resources on its core competencies in mergers and acquisitions, capital markets, and financial restructuring. By reducing the debt team, Houlihan Lokey can allocate more resources to these areas and maintain its leading position in the market.

In conclusion, Houlihan Lokey's strategic hire of Angela Hu in Asia aligns with the firm's global expansion plans, particularly in the context of the region's growing economic significance and potential for M&A activity. By hiring a senior banker with the necessary experience and expertise, the firm is well-positioned to capitalize on the region's growing economic importance and the increasing demand for financial advisory services, particularly in the mid-market segment. Despite the recent reduction in the firm's debt team, Houlihan Lokey remains committed to serving its clients in the debt capital markets, thanks to its large and experienced team, as well as recent strategic hires.