MINNEAPOLIS, Sep 13, 2010 (BUSINESS WIRE) --

Piper Jaffray announced today that Jim Ridenour has joined the firm to lead the fixed income middle market sales team. Ridenour is a managing director and will be based in Minneapolis.

"Our 35-person middle market sales team plays a critical role in the distribution of new public finance issues as well as secondary taxable and tax exempt fixed income products" said Brad Winges, head of fixed income services. "Jim will lead the expansion of the sales group to ensure we have the distribution resources to support the growth strategy of our public finance and fixed income businesses. Jim's experience and penchant for providing exceptional client service make him an excellent fit to lead this group."

Ridenour has over 25 years of fixed income sales experience. Most recently, he managed the middle market fixed income group at RBC Wealth Management. Prior to that, he led the municipal sales group at Piper Jaffray. He holds a bachelor's degree from Winona State University.

About Piper Jaffray
Piper Jaffray Companies (NYSE: PJC) is a leading, international investment bank and institutional securities firm, serving the needs of corporations, private equity groups, public entities, nonprofit clients and institutional investors. Founded in 1895, Piper Jaffray provides a broad set of products and services, including equity and debt capital markets products; public finance services; financial advisory services; equity and fixed-income institutional brokerage; equity research and fixed income analytics; and asset management services. Piper Jaffray headquarters are located in Minneapolis, Minnesota, with offices across the U.S. and in London and Hong Kong. Piper Jaffray & Co. is the firm's principal operating subsidiary. (www.piperjaffray.com)

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SOURCE: Piper Jaffray Companies

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