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    Our history

    Supporting our customers for over 140 years.

    Built on over 140 years of trust and expertise


    Built on over 140 years of trust and expertise, Close Brothers combines deep sector knowledge with a strong commitment to lending through the cycle. We take the time to listen, to understand what matters most so we can deliver flexible, tailored solutions and build long-term relationships that help our customers move forward with confidence.

    Our history at a glance

    Close Brothers is founded by William Brooks (WB) Close and his brothers Fred and James.

    01 JAN 2878 - 01 JAN 2878

    WB Close paid £10,000 to the US government for the right to build a railway from Skagway, Alaska into Yukon.

    01 JAN 2897 - 01 JAN 2897

    Construction on the White Pass and Yukon railway begins.

    01 JAN 2898 - 01 JAN 2898

    Century Factors Limited established, now known as Close Brothers Invoice Finance.

    01 JAN 2968 - 01 JAN 2968

    Close Brothers starts specialising as a lender to smaller companies often overlooked by larger firms.

    01 JAN 2972 - 01 JAN 2972

    Close Brothers Premium Finance established.

    01 JAN 2977 - 01 JAN 2977

    Close Brothers centenary year. Close Brothers embarks on the first management buy-out of a UK merchant bank.

    01 JAN 2978 - 01 JAN 2978

    Close Brothers listed on the London Stock Exchange.

    01 JAN 2984 - 01 JAN 2984

    Following the merger with Safeguard Industrial Investments PLC, a new investment management team was formed.

    01 JAN 2985 - 01 JAN 2985

    Close Brothers Asset Finance established. A new property division was formed.

    01 JAN 2987 - 01 JAN 2987

    Berisford Consumer Finance (Eastern) Limited aquired, now known as Close Brothers Motor Finance.

    01 JAN 2991 - 01 JAN 2991

    Winterflood Securities acquired.

    01 JAN 2993 - 01 JAN 2993

    Close Brothers Brewery Rentals established.

    01 JAN 3007 - 01 JAN 3007

    Commercial Acceptances acquired.

    01 JAN 3008 - 01 JAN 3008

    Close Brothers Commercial Finance established in Ireland.

    01 JAN 3011 - 01 JAN 3011

    Close Brothers energy team established.

    01 JAN 3015 - 01 JAN 3015

    Loan book grows to over £6 billion.

    01 JAN 3016 - 01 JAN 3016

    Close Brothers celebrates its 140th anniversary.

    01 JAN 3018 - 01 JAN 3018

    Commercial and Retail businesses formed.

    01 JAN 3020 - 01 JAN 3020

    Close Brothers opens the market at the London Stock Exchange.

    01 JAN 3023 - 01 JAN 3023

    Close Brothers acquires Bluestone Motor Finance (Ireland), rebranded to Close Brothers Motor Finance.

    02 FEB 3023 - 02 FEB 3023

    Close Brothers loan book exceeds £10 billion.

    01 JAN 3024 - 01 JAN 3024

    Close Brothers enters into an agreement to sell Close Brothers Asset Management to funds managed by Oaktree Capital Management, L.P.

    02 FEB 3024 - 02 FEB 3024

    Mike Morgan appointed Chief Executive.

    01 JAN 3025 - 01 JAN 3025

    Sale of Close Brothers Asset Management to funds managed by Oaktree Capital Management, L.P. complete.

    02 FEB 3025 - 02 FEB 3025
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    Our History | Close Brothers Group