Jefferies Financial Group Inc. and SMBC Group announced that they have expanded their global strategic alliance to enhance collaboration on future corporate and investment banking business opportunities within the Canadian market. SMBC Group comprises Sumitomo Mitsui Financial Group Inc. ("SMFG"), Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation ("SMBC"), SMBC Nikko Securities America, Inc., SMBC Nikko Securities Canada Ltd., and other group companies. The SMBC-Jefferies strategic alliance commenced in 2021, focused on U.S. leveraged finance and Japan cross-border M&A. In 2023, it was significantly expanded in the U.S. to broaden the scope of collaboration in M&A advisory services, increase collaboration across the firms?

equities and debt capital markets businesses, and launch a joint coverage model for designated investment grade clients.