Versant Partners Inc. and Calgary-based energy banking boutique Petersen Capital Corp. are merging, the two companies said Tuesday.

The combined firm will operate under the Versant name, and will expand its Calgary office to include research, sales and trading, complementing the banking team at Petersen Capital.

The combination is expected to formally close on September 1.

“Versant is committed to building an energy practice and we’re excited to enter the sector with a strong team led by veteran banker Brian Petersen,” said Mike James, Versant chairman and CEO, in a release.

“Brian’s deep relationships in Calgary and internationally, and his experience in equity capital markets and M&A give us an immediate foothold in energy,” Jams said. “Just as important, his reputation as a trusted advisor to public and private companies of all sizes fits with our culture of quality and integrity throughout our business.”

Petersen will become president and head of investment banking of Versant.

Versant also announced the addition of analyst Mark Friesen to its equity research group. Friesen, who assumes the title of managing director, will be based in Calgary and will focus on mid- and large-cap E&P companies. He is a top ranked analyst cited as a “Rising Star” by Brendan Wood in 2008, formerly with TD Securities, FirstEnergy and BMO Nesbitt Burns.

Versant Partners, with offices in Tornoto and Montreal, is a full service investment bank serving institutional money managers and growth companies across all market caps. Core sectors are software & IT, healthcare & biotech, alternative energy, aerospace, industrials, infrastructure and mining.