EA Markets Research
Advisory Approach
EA Markets is an independent capital markets investment banking firm focused on arranging debt and equity capital for both public corporations and private equity portfolio companies. Founded in 2009 and led by Co-Founder and Managing Partner Reuben Daniels (formerly Co-Head of U.S. Investment Banking at Barclays Capital), EA Markets operates with a thesis-driven approach: comprehensive capital structure solutions delivered through deep market expertise and extensive institutional relationships. The firm positions itself as an independent advisor loyal exclusively to client interests, not beholden to balance sheet constraints typical of bulge-bracket banks. After being acquired by Chatham Financial in October 2023, EA Markets now operates as the investment banking division of the larger risk management and financial advisory platform, providing enhanced capabilities and resources to clients.
Service Offering
EA Markets specializes in capital arrangement and transaction execution across a comprehensive range of debt, equity, and structured finance products. Core services include: syndicated loan arrangement and negotiation, direct placements with institutional investors, acquisition financing structuring, equity capital raising, high-yield bond underwriting and placement, structured finance solutions, and strategic corporate finance advisory. The firm has successfully arranged over $100 billion in cumulative debt and equity financing for its client base, indicating deep market access and institutional relationships across multiple financing channels.
Deal Track Record
EA Markets' transaction history demonstrates broad coverage across sectors and transaction types. Recent representative transactions include: Mitel's acquisition financing for the ShoreTel merger, including a $300 million term loan B and earlier $500 million term loan A facility (2017); Voyager Global Mobility's acquisition of Fast Track Mobility with $50 million preferred financing from Prudential Private Capital (2021); Global Jet Capital's $522 million securitization (placement agent); NETSCOUT's $1 billion revolving credit facility and $300 million accelerated share repurchase (2016-2017); La Quinta Holdings' secondary offerings totaling over $1 billion; and multiple high-yield bond offerings for One Rock Capital Partners. The firm has also advised on infrastructure and project financing, including a $200 million senior secured private placement and $75 million equity component for Burgess BioPower. Across all transactions, EA Markets serves in roles including lead arranger, co-arranger, financial advisor, and placement agent.
Client Base & Market Position
EA Markets serves a diversified client base including Fortune 500 corporations, large publicly-traded companies, private equity portfolio companies, and mid-market corporates. The firm maintains particular strength in representing PE-sponsored businesses navigating refinancings, acquisitions, dividend recapitalizations, and growth capital raises. The firm's market access—particularly to syndicated lenders, direct lenders, high-yield bond investors, and alternative capital sources—gives it distinctive value in complex capital structure negotiations.
Team & Expertise
The firm has assembled a team of experienced capital markets professionals. Leadership includes Reuben Daniels (Wharton/Harvard MBA), Aashish Makkar (15+ years in leveraged finance, previously at Credit Suisse and UBS), Harpreet Wadhawan (Senior MD, merchant banking and media IB background), and specialists in infrastructure financing like William Kloehn. The team was recently strengthened through acquisitions by Chatham Financial, providing access to enterprise risk management advisory and deeper resources.
Fee Structure & Engagement Model
EA Markets structures fees as negotiable arrangements based on transaction complexity, size, and services rendered. Typical engagements involve combination of transaction advisory fees, arrangement fees tied to deal execution, and placement agent commissions. The firm does not publicly disclose standard fee schedules, preferring transaction-specific structures aligned with client outcomes.
Geographic Coverage & Industry Focus
EA Markets operates primarily in the United States with transaction experience across telecommunications, technology, real estate, energy, transportation, manufacturing, and financial services sectors. Post-Chatham acquisition, the firm maintains offices in major financial centers including New York and Pennsylvania. The firm's independence from balance sheet constraints and entrepreneurial approach to deal structuring enables creative solutions for complex capital needs across economic cycles.