Evercore Taps Rothschild's Dale for EMEA Consumer M&A Push

LONDON, UK – February 02, 2026 – Premier independent advisory firm Evercore has made a significant strategic move to bolster its European operations, appointing veteran investment banker Jonathan Dale as a senior managing director in its London-based consumer group. The high-profile hire from rival Rothschild & Co underscores Evercore's aggressive ambitions to capture a larger share of the lucrative, albeit complex, consumer mergers and acquisitions market across Europe, the Middle East, and Africa (EMEA).

Mr. Dale's appointment is widely seen as a direct effort to enhance Evercore's advisory firepower in a key sector. “We are pleased to welcome Jonathan to Evercore,” said Giuseppe Monarchi, co-head of Evercore’s EMEA investment banking business, in a statement. “His deep sector expertise and strong client relationships will enhance our consumer advisory capabilities and support our continued growth across the region.”

A Broader Strategy of European Expansion

Dale's recruitment is not an isolated event but rather the latest chapter in Evercore's deliberate and forceful expansion across Europe. The firm has been methodically building its presence and climbing the advisory league tables, challenging the long-standing dominance of bulge-bracket banks. This strategy was most dramatically highlighted by its acquisition of the elite UK-based advisory firm Robey Warshaw, a deal announced in July 2025 that significantly expanded its talent pool and market influence in the region.

That acquisition, combined with organic growth, has helped Evercore ascend to eighth place in European deal advisory over the past year, a notable climb from its top-20 position in 2018. Globally, the firm now holds the eighth spot for M&A financial advice with a formidable 9.7% market share, according to LSEG data. This sustained growth, which also includes new office openings in Paris and Italy, signals a clear intent to compete head-to-head with top-tier global banks like Goldman Sachs and Morgan Stanley for the most significant mandates.

By bringing in a specialist of Dale's caliber, Evercore is specifically targeting a vertical where deep industry knowledge is paramount. The consumer sector is undergoing profound transformation, and the firm is positioning itself to be the go-to advisor for companies navigating this change.

Navigating a Paradoxical Consumer Market

The timing of Dale's arrival is critical. He joins as the EMEA consumer M&A market emerges from a period of uncertainty, showing signs of a cautious but tangible recovery. After a 16% dip in deal volumes in 2024, the market has seen a rebound in value, driven by fewer but larger, high-conviction transactions. In 2025, EMEA accounted for nearly half of the global consumer M&A deal volume and saw a 4% increase in deal value, demonstrating the region's importance.

However, the landscape is fraught with challenges. While macroeconomic headwinds like inflation are easing, consumer confidence remains stubbornly low, impacting spending habits. Simultaneously, valuations are on the rise, with consumer sector EBITDA multiples in Europe and North America climbing to 9.5 in late 2024. This creates a difficult environment for dealmakers, who must justify higher price tags amid uncertain consumer demand.

It is precisely this complex environment where an experienced hand like Dale, who brings nearly 20 years of investment banking experience, becomes invaluable. His background includes serving as a managing director and co-head of European consumer at Rothschild & Co, giving him firsthand experience in guiding clients through market cycles. His expertise will be crucial in helping Evercore's clients identify strategic acquisitions focused on securing critical capabilities in areas like e-commerce, AI-enabled fulfillment, and supply chain technology—key drivers of M&A activity in the current climate.

The Intensifying War for Top Banking Talent

Jonathan Dale's move from a powerhouse like Rothschild & Co to a premier independent advisor like Evercore also shines a spotlight on the fierce, ongoing 'talent war' within the investment banking industry. As firms seek an edge in a competitive market, securing seasoned bankers with proven track records and extensive client lists has become a core strategic priority.

Independent advisory firms, free from the conflicts of interest associated with large lending institutions, have become increasingly attractive destinations for top-tier talent. They offer a more entrepreneurial culture and a pure-play advisory model that many senior bankers find appealing. Evercore's ability to attract a leader like Dale is a testament to the strength of its platform and its growing reputation in Europe.

For his part, Dale acknowledged the opportunity presented by his new firm. “I am excited to join Evercore at a pivotal time for the firm in EMEA,” he stated. “Evercore’s global platform and strong culture provide a compelling opportunity, and I look forward to working with colleagues to deliver outstanding outcomes for our clients in the consumer sector.”

By securing a high-profile leader like Dale, Evercore is not just adding expertise; it is making a clear statement of intent. The firm is betting that his deep sector knowledge and relationships, honed over two decades at the highest levels of European finance, will be the key to unlocking opportunities in the consumer space and further solidifying its position as a dominant force in EMEA investment banking.