J.C. Bradford & Co: From Founding to Notable Exits

Author

Reads 12K

Comfortable poufs placed near wall with J and C letters in modern corridor with column near glass walls in contemporary business center
Credit: pexels.com, Comfortable poufs placed near wall with J and C letters in modern corridor with column near glass walls in contemporary business center

J.C. Bradford & Co was founded in 1902 by John C. Bradford, marking the beginning of a long and storied history in the financial industry.

The firm started as a small investment bank, but over the years, it grew to become a major player in the market.

J.C. Bradford & Co expanded its services to include underwriting and trading, allowing it to take on more complex financial tasks.

Company History

J.C. Bradford & Co. was founded in May 1927 with the purchase of Joe B. Palmer Co., a small securities firm in Nashville, for $10,000.

The firm's early years were marked by significant milestones, including purchasing a seat on the New York Stock Exchange for $400,000 in 1930, which was estimated to be worth approximately $19,000 by 1940.

By 1946, the firm had expanded into new markets throughout Tennessee, including Memphis and Jackson. This expansion continued in the 1950s with the opening of offices in New York and Atlanta.

J.C. Bradford & Co. faced another major economic crisis during the 1973–1974 stock market crash, experiencing its first loss since the Great Depression in 1974.

Founding Through 1973

Credit: youtube.com, NAA 50th Anniversary - Golden Minute - 1973 Founding

J.C. Bradford & Co. was founded in May 1927 with the $10,000 purchase of Joe B. Palmer Co., a small securities firm in Nashville.

The firm's founder, J.C. Bradford, had a diverse background, having previously worked in insurance and even led a grocery store's corporate restructuring after its founder nearly bankrupted the company.

In 1930, J.C. Bradford & Co. purchased its seat on the New York Stock Exchange for $400,000, which was a significant investment at the time.

By 1940, the value of this seat had dropped to approximately $19,000, a stark contrast to its initial cost.

Following World War II, the firm expanded into new markets throughout Tennessee, including Memphis and Jackson, in 1946.

The 1950s saw further expansion, with the opening of offices in New York and Atlanta.

In 1966, the firm merged with Elder & Co., based in Chattanooga, Tennessee, marking a significant milestone in its growth.

For more insights, see: Ubs New Grad

Glowing bitcoin symbol in neon light on vine wall with person in foreground, suggesting finance themes.
Credit: pexels.com, Glowing bitcoin symbol in neon light on vine wall with person in foreground, suggesting finance themes.

J.C. Bradford & Co. finally made its first foray onto the West Coast with an office in La Jolla, California in 1973.

However, this expansion came at a challenging time, as the firm faced a major economic crisis during the 1973-1974 stock market crash, resulting in its first loss since the Great Depression in 1974.

1974-2000

In 1981, J. C. Bradford, Sr. passed away, leaving his son J. C. Bradford, Jr. to take over as senior partner of the firm in 1982.

J. C. Bradford, Jr. joined the firm in 1959, and by the end of the 1980s, the firm was growing rapidly, opening seven new offices in five southern states.

The Bradford Money Fund was launched in 1989, and it quickly gained popularity, growing from $280 million in its first year to over $1 billion in 1995.

By 1998, the fund had doubled to $2 billion, with over 140,000 clients.

Additional reading: Linda Raschke

Facades of residential buildings located near modern skyscrapers on street in city with green trees against cloudless sky in financial district
Credit: pexels.com, Facades of residential buildings located near modern skyscrapers on street in city with green trees against cloudless sky in financial district

The firm played a significant role in helping various companies in Nashville raise capital, including Shoney's, Amsurg, HCA, Central Parking, Healthways, Corrections Corporation of America, and Ingram Industries.

Here are some key statistics about the firm's growth during this period:

  • 1989: The Bradford Money Fund was launched with $280 million in assets.
  • 1995: The fund grew to over $1 billion in assets.
  • 1998: The fund doubled to $2 billion in assets, with over 140,000 clients.

Investments and Exits

J.C. Bradford & Co. has a notable track record of investments and exits. They have made a total of 6 investments, with their latest being in CV Holdings as part of their Debt - II on January 01, 2012.

One of their notable exits was Confer Software, which was acquired by Healthvision on June 14, 2001, for a valuation of $XXM.

Their portfolio exit history is relatively limited, with only one recorded exit.

Investments

J.C. Bradford & Co. has made a total of 6 investments.

One of their notable investments is in CV Holdings, which was made as part of their Debt - II on January 01, 2012.

Notable Events

J.C. Bradford & Co. was founded in 1902 by James C. Bradford. The company started as a small brokerage firm in Nashville, Tennessee.

You might enjoy: Ubs Mini B

Monitor with Data on Stock Exchange on Screen
Credit: pexels.com, Monitor with Data on Stock Exchange on Screen

In the early 1900s, J.C. Bradford & Co. began to expand its reach, opening offices in other cities across the United States. This strategic move helped the company grow its client base and establish itself as a major player in the financial industry.

The firm's commitment to innovation led to the introduction of the first commercial paper trading desk in 1920. This new service allowed clients to trade commercial paper more efficiently, which in turn helped the company attract even more clients.

The 1920s were a pivotal time for J.C. Bradford & Co., with the company's revenue increasing significantly due to the growth of the commercial paper market. By the end of the decade, the firm had established itself as a leading player in the industry.

J.C. Bradford & Co. continued to innovate throughout the 20th century, introducing new services and expanding its reach into new markets. The company's commitment to customer service and its focus on staying ahead of the curve helped it remain a major player in the financial industry.

Business professionals engaged in a serious office meeting discussing legal matters.
Credit: pexels.com, Business professionals engaged in a serious office meeting discussing legal matters.

J.C. Bradford & Co. had a complex history of mergers and acquisitions, with the company merging with U.S. Bancorp in 1999. This merger led to the closure of several J.C. Bradford & Co. branches.

The company's early years were marked by a strong focus on investment banking, with J.C. Bradford & Co. establishing itself as a leading player in the industry by the 1970s.

You might like: Bnym I S Trust Co

Elena Feeney-Jacobs

Junior Writer

Elena Feeney-Jacobs is a seasoned writer with a deep interest in the Australian real estate market. Her insightful articles have shed light on the operations of major real estate companies and investment trusts, providing readers with a comprehensive understanding of the industry. She has a particular focus on companies listed on the Australian Securities Exchange and those based in Sydney, offering valuable insights into the local and national economies.

Love What You Read? Stay Updated!

Join our community for insights, tips, and more.