Boston, MA -- (SBWire) -- 07/22/2011 --C.W. Downer & Co., a leading global middle-market investment bank, is pleased to announce that the shareholders of Ombuds Group, one of Europe's leading providers of private protection services, have sold a majority stake to industrial holding JZ International (JZI). The transaction closed on May 18, 2011. La Caixa, Banco de Valencia and Lloyds TSB provided debt financing to support the transaction. Financial terms were not disclosed.

Based in Madrid, Spain, Ombuds Group provides a suite of security services to its clients including personal protection, electronic security systems, security consulting, and safety plans. Ombuds is one of the most sophisticated companies providing bodyguards for government officials and other VIP clients in Europe. The Group has around 3,000 employees and generates a turnover of more than €100 million. JZI is a private industrial holding dedicated to investments in small and medium-sized private enterprises in Europe. JZI is the European division of JZ Advisers Inc, investment advisers for JZ Capital Partners.

"JZI is exactly the right partner to carry out our ambitious domestic and international growth strategy," explained Rodrigo Cortina, founder and CEO of Ombuds Group. Mr. Cortina will retain approximately 25% of Ombuds Group share capital and will continue in his current role as CEO.

C.W. Downer & Co. identified and approached JZI and initiated discussions with Ombuds Group. "Despite the difficult economic situation in Spain, we were able to assist Ombuds Group define the right strategy for the future development of the company and close an attractive deal," said Dr. Guido Siebiera, Managing Director of C.W. Downer & Co.

"This important transaction has put our newly established Madrid office on the map," stated Arthur Gottlieb, Managing Partner of C.W. Downer. "We are very pleased with this outcome and look forward to continued success in Spain."

The C.W. Downer transaction team included Dr. Siebiera, Managing Director (Spain), and Biel Ballester, Analyst (Spain).

About C.W. Downer & Co.
C.W. Downer & Co. is an independent, global investment bank offering middle-market clients a high level of personal attention coupled with 35 years of international execution experience. We provide insight, not just information. We generate value, not just transactions. With seven fully integrated offices on four continents, we consistently identify the most appropriate strategic buyer and uncover “hidden” acquisition targets. C.W. Downer & Co. delivers the reach of a bulge-bracket investment bank with the senior level focus of a boutique. For more information, visit http://www.cwdowner.com.