COSTA MESA, Calif., Oct. 19, 2004 (PRIMEZONE) -- RSM EquiCo, an international investment bank specializing in mergers, acquisitions, divestitures and corporate finance for private companies, today announced that Hector J. Cuellar has been named one of the nation's 100 Most Influential Hispanics. The annual list, compiled by Hispanic Business magazine, recognizes contributions in a broad range of fields, including business, finance, government, education, sports, national defense, philanthropy, entertainment and journalism. Ralph Alvarez, Antonio Hernandez, Oscar De La Hoya, Rocky Delgadillo, George Reyes and Michelle Caruso-Cabrera are among the prominent Hispanics included on this year's list.
Mr. Cuellar is president of RSM EquiCo Capital Markets LLC, the broker-dealer subsidiary of RSM EquiCo, where his responsibilities include leading several teams of domestic and international investment bankers. A senior banker with more than 20 years of experience in corporate and investment banking, Mr. Cuellar was selected after being nominated by readers, Hispanic Business Web site visitors, contributing editors and writers, magazine staff and other nominees.
"Hector is one of the nation's experts in corporate finance, and we are extremely proud to have him as a leader in our organization," said Coby Sonenshine, president of RSM EquiCo and chief executive officer of RSM EquiCo Capital Markets. "This prestigious award further demonstrates the leadership qualities that Hector exhibits every day, both at RSM EquiCo and within the community."
Jesus Chavarria, editor and publisher of Hispanic Business, says that the increasing number of Hispanics in positions of influence creates challenges as the publication attempts to compile a list that recognizes those who have had recent, national impact.
"Ultimately, the list honors the community's most accomplished and inspiring individuals, showcasing a cadre of leaders who excel at navigating a bright future for the Hispanic economy," said Mr. Chavarria, adding that Mr. Cuellar -- as a director of the Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund (MALDEF) and an authority in corporate finance -- represents "a growing number of Hispanic leaders who are catalysts of economic empowerment for the Hispanic community."
"I am very grateful to Hispanic Business for this honor and consider my inclusion in the 2004 list one my most significant professional accomplishments," said Mr. Cuellar.
Prior to RSM EquiCo Capital Markets, Mr. Cuellar was a managing director and manager of the Los Angeles office for Banc of America Securities, the full-service investment bank subsidiary of Bank of America Corporation, where he oversaw the firm's global activities in the aerospace/defense and engineering/construction industries. Mr. Cuellar joined Bank of America in 1980 as an international finance officer and associate vice president in the bank's Mexico City office, where he handled corporate and government sector clients.
About Hispanic Business Magazine
For more than a quarter century, Hispanic Business magazine has given a voice to the vibrant and fast-growing U.S. Hispanic community. Hispanic Business magazine informs and represents the most highly educated, affluent, and influential segments of the Hispanic market and chronicles the growth of the Hispanic economy.
About RSM EquiCo, Inc.
RSM EquiCo is a global investment banking firm serving private middle-market companies throughout North America. With more than 400 professionals and support personnel, the firm specializes in mergers, acquisitions and divestitures for non-public companies with up to $500 million in annual revenues. Based in Costa Mesa, Calif., RSM EquiCo is part of RSM McGladrey Business Services, a business segment of H&R Block Inc. For more information, log on to www.rsmequico.com.