News Releases
Harris Nesbitt, the U.S. investment and corporate banking arm of BMO Financial Group, announced today that Leland Westerfield has joined its Harris Nesbitt Gerard Equity Research team as a Managing Director and Senior Research Analyst. Mr. Westerfield, a media industry specialist, will focus on U.S. broadcasting, publishing and cable companies as part of the firm's Media & Entertainment Group. A widely recognized media analyst, Mr. Westerfield has been named among the "Best on The Street" by The Wall Street Journal for stock picking performance in 2002 and 2003.
Mr. Westerfield brings more than 10 years of media industry experience, having researched broadcasting and publishing companies for UBS, its predecessor PaineWebber and, more recently, Jefferies & Company. Prior experience includes media assignments at investment bank Hambrecht & Quist and at investment boutique Veronis, Suhler. Mr. Westerfield began his career at Time Warner, working on the development team that created the Court TV cable network. He holds a BA from Yale University and an MBA from Columbia University, where his graduate work focused on Finance and Media & Communications Management.
"We are excited to have Lee join the Harris Nesbitt Gerard research team," said Jack Blackstock, U.S. Director of Research for Harris Nesbitt. "He has a superior track record for quality ideas, earning an excellent reputation with clients. Lee's coverage of the broadcasting industry will enhance the breadth of our Media & Entertainment Group, and will serve to further our franchise in this area, which is highlighted by our annual Playtime conference."
Harris Nesbitt's 14th annual Playtime investor conference is scheduled for November 8th and 9th in New York City. The conference will feature presentations from more than 30 leading companies in the media/entertainment, broadcasting, interactive entertainment and toy industries.
Harris Nesbitt Gerard provides institutional clients with equity research, sales and trading. The Equity Research/Media & Entertainment Group includes Jeffrey Logsdon, Managing Director/Senior Research Analyst, who covers media, entertainment and gaming companies. Mr. Logsdon is located in the firm's Boston office and Mr. Westerfield is based in New York.
Harris Nesbitt, a member of BMO Financial Group (NYSE, TSX: BMO), is a leading U.S.-based financial services provider offering clients access to a broad range of financial products, including equity and debt underwriting, corporate lending and project financing, merger and acquisition advisory services, merchant banking, securitization, cash management services, research, and institutional sales and trading.
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