BMO Capital Markets continues its expansion in the United States with the hiring of two senior individuals who will each lead an important line of business for the firm.

In Chicago, Scott Humphrey has been appointed executive managing director and head of U.S. mergers & acquisitions. BMO Capital Markets has also hired Tod Benton as managing director and head of the firm’s energy & power group, based in Houston. Both men have extensive industry experience and deep sector knowledge.

“The appointments of Scott and Tod will greatly help BMO Capital Markets accelerate our growth in the U.S., a key priority for 2007. They will also be instrumental in our efforts to increase our market share while continuing to provide our clients with the flawless execution they expect,” said Tom Milroy, co-president of BMO Capital Markets, in a news release.

“There are a number of factors driving record levels of M&A activity and we expect that pace to continue. Scott’s talent will help us expand our presence in this important area of the market,” said Eric Tripp, Co-President of BMO Capital Markets. “Likewise, with the success of transactions such as last year’s Petrohawk / KCS Energy merger deal, we have high expectations for the future of the energy sector. Tod’s expertise will help fuel our continued momentum in this area.”

Humphrey will work with a growing base of clients from a broad range of sectors in identifying strategic alternatives to maximize shareholder value, create liquidity and / or enter new markets. He will oversee a team of more than 20 M&A professionals based in key client centers that include Chicago, New York and Houston. He will also work closely with the firm’s M&A Group in Canada to help clients capitalize on cross-border strategies.

Humphrey has more than a decade of experience at a senior level and has advised on numerous middle market transactions.

On the energy front, Benton will manage a team of more than 35 professionals dedicated to serving clients engaged in the energy and power business across the United States. Benton has more than 20 years of experience in the energy and power industry.