This Is A $1.4 Billion Investment Bank Acquisition

Hambrecht & Quist

H&Q was a San Francisco–based boutique investment bank noted for its focus on the technology and internet sectors—an early player underwriting IPOs for Adobe Systems, Apple, Genentech, and others. The company was growing rapidly and required a more robust, prestigious brand.

Goal

Our agency helped H&Q for many years, developing a brand and marketing communications environment unlike any investment banking company—anywhere. The goal was to create a market presence as innovative as the thought leadership that guided one of the Bay Area’s most successful companies.

Outcome

We completed a new (refreshed) visual identity system, including the messaging to drive all communications and three consecutive annual reports following the H&Q IPO, plus sales and marketing literature. Following our work, JPMorgan Chase & Co. acquired H&Q for $1.4 billion.