First Capital Advisory Services and Atarah Capital Announce Strategic Partnership

First Capital Advisory Services (Private) Limited, a subsidiary of First Capital Holdings PLC/ and Atarah Capital (Private) Limited have officially signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to establish a strategic collaboration aimed at enhancing the corporate finance landscape in Sri Lanka. This partnership brings together the strengths, expertise, and networks of both companies to provide high-impact investment opportunities and structured financial transactions.

First Capital Advisory Services, licensed and regulated by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) of Sri Lanka, is a leading corporate finance advisor offering a wide array of services, including shareholder value enhancement, capital raising, liquidity goals, and accelerated growth solutions.

Atarah Capital (ACPL) is licensed and regulated as a Corporate Finance Advisor (CFA) by the SEC, and an approved “Sponsor” firm of the Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE). Since 2023, ACPL is contracted as a Business Advisory Service Provider for the USAID CATALYZE Private Sector Development (PSD) Activity’s funding program, aimed at facilitating equity capital for SMEs through CSE listings.

The collaboration is designed to leverage the combined experience and extensive industry connections of both parties. Their joint efforts will focus on a range of services, including investor engagement across lending facilities, public equity, and debt securities; structuring private equity transactions for unlisted securities; supporting capital raising through IPOs and other innovative financial instruments; and developing customized financial solutions for investors, borrowers, and issuers alike.

The MoU signing ceremony, held on January 21, 2025, was attended by key executives from both organizations, including Dilshan Wirasekara, Managing Director/CEO of First Capital Holdings PLC; Tharusha Ekanayake, CEO of First Capital Advisory Services & COO of First Capital Holdings PLC; and Atchuthan Srirangan, Vice President – Corporate Finance & Advisory from First Capital. From Atarah Capital, the signatories included Rohan Senewiratne, Managing Director; Bradley Emerson, Non-Executive Independent Director; Cecil Perera, Chairman/Non-Executive Independent Director; and Chandana Wijesundara, Head of Investment Banking.

The collaboration between First Capital Advisory Services and Atarah Capital promises to bring several strategic benefits. For First Capital, the partnership will open new avenues for attracting investors, borrowers, and market opportunities. It will also expand the company’s service offerings, including IPOs, private equity, and structured transactions, while further strengthening its credibility and market position as a trusted corporate finance advisor. Additionally, the partnership is expected to drive increased deal volume, accelerate revenue growth, and provide First Capital with a competitive edge in delivering innovative financial solutions. For ACPL, the partnership will pave way for opportunity to collaborate on transactions involving debt securities (both listed and unlisted), to leverage on its counterpart’s extensive experience, expertise and successful track record.      

Through this collaboration, both companies aim to contribute to the growth and development of Sri Lanka’s financial markets by providing tailored advisory services and facilitating impactful financial transactions.

Ends.

About First Capital Holdings PLC  

First Capital Holdings PLC is a listed full-service investment institution in Sri Lanka, operating as a primary dealer, corporate finance advisor, wealth manager and stockbroker. With strong emphasis on upholding stability, fostering a competitive advantage, and providing an exceptional customer experience, together with the support of the Janashakthi Group, First Capital focuses on staying true to its ‘Performance First’ ethos. The company has been recognized as the Most Valuable Consumer Brand in the Investment Banking sector by Brand Finance for two consecutive years. First Capital has been honoured with the highest recognition as the ‘Brand of the Year’ at the SLIM Brand Excellence Awards 2024. With over four decades of expertise in providing capital market solutions, First Capital Holdings PLC is rated [SL] A with Positive outlook by LRA. 

About Atarah Capital (Private) Limited  

Amongst its 5 successful listings, ACPL facilitated the launch of CSE’s “Empower Board” in 2021 by successfully managing the IPO of Chrissworld PLC. In 2024, ACPL listed the first women owned enterprise on the CSE with founders originating from the Northern Province of Sri Lanka. In its portfolio of services in the listed segment, ACPL acts as “Financial Advisor and Manager to the Issue” on IPOs, transaction advisory services involving listed companies, private placements and rights issues. In the unlisted segment ACPL conducts Business Valuations, structure Private Equity, M&A and divestments, business restructuring and performance improvement consultancy.  

Caption : Atchuthan Srirangan, Vice President – Corporate Finance & Advisory, Tharusha Ekanayake, Chief Operating Officer of First Capital Holdings PLC & Chief Executive Officer of First Capital Advisory Services (Private) Limited, Dilshan Wirasekara, Managing Director/CEO of First Capital Holdings PLC, Rohan Senewiratne, Managing Director of Atarah Capital (Private) Limited, Cecil Perera, Chairman/Non-Executive Independent Director of Atarah Capital (Private) Limited, Bradley Emerson, Non-Executive Independent Director of Atarah Capital (Private) Limited, and Chandana Wijesundara, Head of Investment Banking of Atarah Capital (Private) Limited.