MINNEAPOLIS, Apr 25, 2012 (BUSINESS WIRE) --Piper Jaffray (NYSE: PJC), announced today that it has strengthened its global TMT investment banking group with the addition of David Ramazetti, managing director, focusing on software investment banking. He will join the firm on May 2^nd and be based in San Francisco.

"Over the past year, we have enhanced our senior coverage in the areas of software, Internet, semiconductors and electronics with the addition of several highly experienced, full-service bankers. We are delighted to have Dave join our team," said Mark Leavitt, global head of TMT investment banking. "We are well positioned as a lead advisor to global TMT growth companies and have significant momentum in our business."

In the past few months, the firm has advised on a number of M&A transactions, including the recently announced $1.4 billion merger of Stratasys and Objet and the acquisitions of NEXX Systems Inc. by Tokyo Electron, and Legacy.com, Inc. by Great Hill Partners. Also, the firm has acted as book runner on equity offerings for Vocera, Proto Labs and Lionsgate, and raised private capital for VerticalScope.

"Dave has extensive transaction experience and relationships in the software sector, and he is respected by his clients for his industry expertise and advice," added Marc Steifman, head of technology investment banking. "Dave and Michael Kim, managing director, will partner to lead our global software team and enhance our service to clients in this strategically important sector."

Ramazetti brings 12 years of experience in software investment banking and was most recently with RBC Capital Markets. Ramazetti earned a bachelor's degree from Brigham Young University and a Master of Business Administration degree from the Kellogg Graduate School of management, Northwestern University.

Piper Jaffray has a team of 40 professionals in global TMT investment banking and capital markets. Since 2006, the team has represented clients in 169 transactions with an aggregate value of $25 billion. In addition, the firm has 13 senior research analysts, covering 231 stocks across the broad spectrum of TMT universes, including internet, software, communications, semiconductors and electronics, services, media and entertainment.

About Piper Jaffray
Piper Jaffray is an investment bank and asset management firm serving clients in the U.S. and internationally. Proven advisory teams combine deep industry, product and sector expertise with ready access to global capital. Founded in 1895, the firm is headquartered in Minneapolis and has offices across the United States and in London, Hong Kong and Zurich. www.piperjaffray.com

Since 1895. Member SIPC and NYSE. (C) 2012 Piper Jaffray & Co.

SOURCE: Piper Jaffray

Piper Jaffray
Investor and Media Relations
Jennifer A. Olson-Goude, 612-303-6277