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Des Moines-based Cybus Capital Markets LLC wasn't seeking a suitor late last year when First National of Nebraska Inc. came knocking on its door.
But then, drawing the attention of the fourth-largest agricultural lender in the country created quite an opportunity, particularly as First National was expanding its recently formed investment banking arm.
Earlier this month, Omaha-based First National Investment Banking announced its acquisition of Cybus, a privately owned investment banking firm that in the past two decades has closed more than $3 billion in deals.
Cybus retained its name and its seven employees, who operate from offices in Des Moines and Sacramento, Calif., with an affiliate in St. Augustine, Fla.
"The thing that really struck a chord with us at Cybus was the overlap of the markets we serve," said James Eiler, managing partner of Cybus Capital.
"We're a niche investment banking group focused on food and agribusiness and a growing practice in renewable energy," he added. "That's really an overlay in what First National's expertise has been."
First National, which is privately owned, did not disclose the terms of the acquisition.
First National Investment Banking is a wholly owned...