Baird Adds 77 Financial Advisors in First Half of 2009, Sets Recruiting Record

Baird, an international, employee-owned wealth management, capital markets, private equity and asset management firm, announced today that it hired 77 financial advisors, the vast majority of which are industry veterans, in the first half of 2009. This surpasses the 59 advisors hired in 2008 and further illustrates Baird’s continued expansion of its wealth management business. Combined, the advisors represent nearly $4.7 billion in assets under management. In total, Baird’s Private Wealth Management business hired 132 wealth management professionals in the first half of 2009.

Since the beginning of the year, Baird also added four new private wealth management offices in key markets on both coasts: Baltimore and Easton, Md.; and Sacramento and Grass Valley, Calif. The firm has also hired talent in existing markets including: Grand Rapids, Mich.; Akron, Ohio; Green Bay and Madison, Wis., Philadelphia, and Quad Cities, Iowa. In February, plans to open the firm’s first wealth management office in downtown San Francisco were announced.

“On the heels of a record recruiting year for 2008, Baird continues to have tremendous success attracting high caliber talent in an unprecedented environment,” said Michael J. Schroeder, Director of Private Wealth Management. “Baird’s independence and employee-ownership, talented people, client-focused business model and strong culture are compelling reasons to join the firm. We’re very pleased that so many like-minded and seasoned professionals have decided that Baird is the best place to serve their clients’ needs and continue to build their business.”

Baird uses a comprehensive, team-based approach to financial planning and wealth management, supported by world-class research and technology. Baird Financial Advisors serve as personal wealth managers, developing customized financial strategies that address key concerns such as financial planning, asset allocation, tax management and wealth transfer. They are supported by nearly 60 in-house specialists in areas including estate planning, tax planning, investment research, and specialized services for business owners and corporate executives.

In addition to an average of 17 years of industry experience, nearly half of Baird’s Financial Advisors hold at least one professional designation or have qualified as a Senior Investment Consultant through Baird’s program at the University of Chicago Booth School of Business. Baird’s ongoing investment in sophisticated tools helps Financial Advisors achieve a clear view of their clients’ goals, assets and strategies, and enables them to implement a broader array of investment solutions.

About Private Wealth Management
Using a consultative approach, Baird’s more than 600 Financial Advisors deliver comprehensive wealth management solutions to clients nationwide. They have the resources to oversee the complete financial picture for high-net-worth families and individuals with complex financial needs. Baird Financial Advisors managed and oversaw $48 billion in client assets as of May 31, 2009.

Leveraging a network of specialists, Baird Financial Advisors also work closely with business owners and corporate clients to address the specific needs of corporate executives, benefit coordinators and those in need of business transition planning.

About Baird
Baird is an employee-owned, international wealth management, capital markets, private equity and asset management firm with offices in the United States, Europe and Asia. Established in 1919, Baird has more than 2,400 associates serving the needs of individual, corporate, institutional and municipal clients. Baird oversees and manages client assets of more than $66 billion. Committed to being a great place to work, Baird ranked number 14 on FORTUNE’s “100 Best Companies to Work For” in 2009 – its sixth consecutive year on the list. Baird’s principal operating subsidiaries are Robert W. Baird & Co. in the United States and Robert W. Baird Group Ltd. in Europe. Baird also has an operating subsidiary in Asia supporting Baird’s private equity operations. For more information, please visit Baird’s Web site at www.rwbaird.com.