Joh. Berenberg, Gossler & Co. KG, often known as Berenberg Bank or simply Berenberg, is a multinational full-service private and investment bank headquartered in Hamburg, Germany. Established in 1590 by the Flemish Berenberg family, it is the oldest merchant bank globally, with 432 years of history. The Berenberg/Gossler family was part of the ruling elite of Hanseatic merchants in the city-republic of Hamburg, with several family members serving in the city-state's government since 1735. The bank is named after Johann Berenberg, his son-in-law Johann Hinrich Gossler, and the latter's son-in-law L.E. Seyler, with the name remaining unchanged since 1791. Still partly owned by the Berenberg-Gossler family, the bank has operated continuously since its founding.
Berenberg Bank is involved in investment banking, focusing on pan-European equity research, brokerage, and equity capital markets transactions. It also offers private banking for wealthy clients, asset management, and corporate banking. Since the 2000s, the bank has increasingly concentrated on investment banking. It employs about 1,600 people, with major presences in Hamburg, London, Frankfurt, and New York City, along with 14 additional offices in Europe and the Americas. The bank has expanded rapidly following the 2008 financial crisis, while maintaining a conservative business strategy.
The bank played a significant role during the Napoleonic Wars, losing half its capital but emerging stronger than ever. It has financed key industrial enterprises in Norway, founded shipping companies, and participated in the establishment of major banks. The Berenberg family has branches in Portugal, Italy, and London dating back to the 17th century. The bank's London office has expanded rapidly in recent years, becoming its second-largest office, with a focus on investment banking and private banking for ultra-high-net-worth individuals.
Berenberg Bank operates in wealth management, investment banking, asset management, and corporate banking, with offices in Hamburg, London, Frankfurt, New York City, and other locations.
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