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Oct 14, 2014

Trident IV Portfolio Companies Amherst Securities and Pierpont Securities Merge

Austin, TX and Stamford, CT – October 14, 2014 – Amherst Securities Group, LP (“Amherst Securities”), a fixed-income broker-dealer focused on mortgage-related, asset-backed and structured finance investments, and Pierpont Securities LLC (“Pierpont”), a fixed-income broker-dealer focused on rates and credit products, today announced the completion of their previously announced merger.

The combined firm, Amherst Pierpont Securities, will provide institutional and middle-market clients with access to a broad range of fixed-income products including residential and commercial mortgage- backed securities, asset-backed and other highly-structured finance transactions, U.S. Treasuries, federal agency debentures, investment grade corporate securities and repo finance. In addition, the firm will offer industry-leading analytics, an enhanced trading platform and a broader distribution network.

Amherst Pierpont Securities also announced that Michael J. Santangelo will join the firm as Chief Financial Officer, bringing over 20 years’ experience in the accounting and financial industry. Mike previously served as CFO of CRT Capital Group where he was responsible for the finance, operations and treasury functions with a focus on the firm’s liquidity management and regulatory policy. Prior to joining CRT, Mike was Managing Director at Swiss Re where he held various senior finance management positions including Chief Financial Officer of Swiss Re’s Financial Products and Broker-Dealer entities. He started his Wall Street career in Coopers & Lybrand’s financial services audit division based in New York working on large financial services audit clients.

“The Pierpont team is excited to join together with Amherst Securities to create a highly-competitive firm with the scale and infrastructure to support a diverse set of trading and banking businesses,” said Mark B. Werner, Chief Executive Officer of Amherst Pierpont Securities. “We are also happy to have Mike Santangelo join the firm as CFO. He brings unparalleled industry experience and will be a great fit with our entrepreneurial, client-focused culture.”

“We are proud to have completed the merger with Pierpont, and are excited about the next chapter of growth for our business. Through the combination of our complementary products and operating strengths, Amherst Pierpont Securities is positioned to compete with broker-dealers of all sizes and to meet the needs of clients in today’s challenging market,” said Joseph N. Walsh III, President of Amherst Pierpont Securities. “We look forward to seeking opportunities to further expand our business based upon a strong and scalable operational infrastructure.”

Shearman & Sterling LLP served as legal advisor to Pierpont, and Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP served as legal advisor to Amherst Holdings.

About Amherst Pierpont Securities
Amherst Pierpont Securities is a market-leading broker dealer providing institutional and middle-market clients with access to a broad range of fixed-income products including residential and commercial mortgage-backed securities, asset-backed and other highly-structured finance transactions, U.S. Treasuries, federal agency debentures, investment grade corporate securities and repo finance. In addition, the firm offers industry-leading analytics, a broad trading platform and a nationwide distribution network. Amherst Pierpont Securities has nearly 200 employees across 15 offices nationwide with a satellite sales office in Hong Kong. The Company will be headquartered in Stamford, CT with sales and trading hubs in both Stamford and New York City. Amherst Pierpont Securities is a member of FINRA and SPIC, and an underwriter for FannieMae, Freddie Mac, Farmer Mac and The Federal Home Loan Bank System. For further information about Amherst Pierpont Securities, see www.apsec.com.

Media Contact:
Liz Micci
Abernathy MacGregor
212-371-5999
edm@abmac.com