Fifth Third Securities will acquire Coker Capital Advisors, an M&A advisory services firm focused on middle-market healthcare companies.

Joining Fifth Third offices in New York, Atlanta and Charlotte, NC, Coker’s leaders will report to Rob Schipper, head of Investment Banking. The addition expands the Investment Banking and M&A group to more than 40 professionals.

“The addition of Coker Capital Advisors to our team builds upon the strength of our healthcare vertical, the largest at Fifth Third,” said Lars Anderson, executive vice president and chief operating officer for Fifth Third. “Coker’s concentrated expertise in the complex healthcare industry will add significant value to our team through their experience and results.”

The transaction is subject to regulatory approval and is expected to close in Q1/18.

Founded in 2009, Coker Capital Advisors has executed transactions with an aggregate value in excess of $65 billion. It is led by managing directors Dan Davidson, James Heidbreder, Bo Hinton, John Reiboldt and McNeill Wester.