Regions expands municipal finance business with acquisition of Montgomery’s Frazer Lanier

Regions Financial Corp. has expanded its municipal finance and investment banking business with the acquisition of Montgomery-based The Frazer Lanier Company, a firm that has advised Alabama governments, schools and universities on financing for nearly 50 years.

The Birmingham-based bank announced Thursday that it has closed on the acquisition of Frazer Lanier, a full-service investment banking firm specializing in municipal and corporate securities. Financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

Founded in 1976, Frazer Lanier has built its business by advising corporations, cities, counties and other public entities on financing projects while serving as an underwriter or placement agent for tax-exempt and taxable bond offerings. Ultimately, the firm helps governments, school systems, universities and other organizations raise money for public projects through bond offerings and other financing strategies.

The Montgomery firm also maintains offices in Birmingham and Florence and says it has served thousands of public and private clients throughout the country.

Along with serving municipalities, Frazer Lanier’s published client list includes the Alabama State Board of Education, the University of Alabama, the University of Alabama at Birmingham, the University of Alabama in Huntsville, Auburn University, the University of South Alabama and Alabama State University, along with numerous city and county school systems across Alabama.

Regions said the acquisition supports its strategy of expanding investment banking capabilities and strengthening services for public-sector, corporate and institutional clients. The company said combining Frazer Lanier’s experience with its Corporate Banking and Capital Markets divisions will expand its municipal finance capabilities and provide clients with broader access to capital markets solutions.

“Two of our top priorities at Regions Bank are strategically expanding our services and investing in top-tier banking talent,” said John Turner, chairman, president and CEO of Regions Financial Corp. “By welcoming experienced bankers from Frazer Lanier to the Regions family, we are connecting Regions’ clients with even greater capabilities while advancing our long-term strategy for growth.”

Frazer Lanier will become part of Regions Bank’s Capital Markets division within the company’s Corporate Banking group.

“There’s a natural fit here,” said Brian Willman, head of Corporate Banking for Regions. “Frazer Lanier has built trust by staying close to clients and helping them navigate important decisions. That’s exactly how we approach relationships at Regions. Together, we can expand that model by bringing more ideas, more capabilities and more connectivity to clients across our markets.”

Regions, which has approximately $161 billion in assets, said the acquisition will strengthen its ability to serve municipalities, corporations and institutional clients across its multi-state footprint while expanding its municipal finance and investment banking services.

Sherri Blevins is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News.  You may contact her at [email protected].