William Blair added Chris Bates as director in the firm’s consumer products and services group. Based in London, Bates will provide comprehensive advisory support to European beauty, personal care and consumer-health companies and financial sponsors that are focused on investment opportunities in those industries.
“Adding Chris further strengthens our European presence and our consumer M&A platform while enhancing the depth of our team,” Stewart Licudi, head of European investment banking at William Blair, said. “He also brings extensive experience leading in-house corporate M&A strategy, which equips him to deliver sophisticated guidance to clients investing in the dynamic beauty, personal care and consumer-health subsectors.”
Bates has more than 14 years of experience, most recently as director of M&A, strategy and business partnerships, Europe, at consumer goods manufacturer Church & Dwight. In that role, Bates was responsible for developing and executing the company’s holistic M&A strategy, identifying target brands and integrating strategic acquisitions into the company’s portfolio. Previously, he was a director on the consumer team at Alantra in London and has held roles at Alantra, PwC and Hamilton Bradshaw. Bates received his bachelor of arts degree with first-class honours from the University of Nottingham and is a chartered accountant.
“I’m thrilled to join William Blair and contribute to the firm’s strong growth in the U.K. and Europe,” Bates said. “William Blair is well respected in consumer products and services, notably in the beauty, personal care and consumer-health categories, for leveraging its integrated investment banking platform, robust sector knowledge and deep investor relationships — as well as its broad commitment to secure successful client outcomes.”
