(January 24 – 12:30 ET) – As of today Goepel McDermid Inc. formally becomes Raymond James Ltd., the first tangible result of its acquisition by Raymond James Financial Inc. of St. Petersburg, Florida.

Raymond James chairman and CEO Tom James is in Toronto today to preside over the launch of the new name and to talk to the troops, along with Ken Shields, president and CEO of the firm in Canada.

James says the two firms are integrating, rolling out Raymond James products and bringing its technology north as quickly as possible. The firm’s pre-Goepel acquisition revenue was US$1.7 billion in fiscal 2000, up 38%; net income rose 47% to a new record of US$125 million.

While James is in Canada banging the drum for the new subsidiary, he is looking forward to hosting 350 clients at Super Bowl XXXV on Sunday at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa.

In addition to approving the name change for Goepel, the Investment Dealers Association is announcing that it has admitted Lazard Canada Corp. of Montreal to membership in the IDA, effective January 19. The IDA has also approved TD Securities’ acquisition of Newcrest Capital, and ING Canada’s takeover of Equisure Securities.
-IE Staff