Frank Joseph Hollendoner (10 May 1945 - 31 Dec 2023)

In treasured memory of Francis (Frank) Joseph Hollendoner who died on 31 December 2023, aged 78. A gentle giant of a man, whom we, his family, adored was not just a college (Georgetown) and professional (player/coach Varese Italy) basketball player but an economics major who became a successful investment banker. Recruited to Citibank from Stanford where he did his MBA, Frank (or frank Frank as he became known) developed a reputation in providing banking services to financial institutions, particularly Savings and Loans. Noticed by a British banker, Michael Nightingale, in 1972 he was persuaded to join Michael in the UK in his nascent advisory firm, MJH Nightingale and Company, advising small private businesses on raising capital on the Over-the-Counter Market, now known as AIM. He developed interesting capital instruments (my favourite: Part Participating Preferred Redeemable Convertible Stock) rather than issuing straight-forward preferred or even ordinary shares, as a way to avoid full-scale dilution (on day one) of owners' interests. Having taken warrants in companies in lieu of substantial fees, Frank was able to retire aged 40 but not before a 2-3 year stint as the UK Managing Director of Bear Stearns. Thereafter he put his skills to good use, resolving difficult shareholder disputes. One such success was the MBO of private equity firm, Doughty Hanson, from its then owner, Standard Chartered Bank. Frank became Chairman of DH management company but was persuaded to go to Sweden to run DH's Swedish office until a permanent recruit was identified. This was a most enjoyable period for Frank and Nancy and fond memories exist. Returning to the UK Frank spent his days investing, often alongside friends, in interesting private companies (from rollercoasters to private hospitals) sitting on their boards and generally enjoying himself. As his health declined he and Nancy moved full time to their enchanting cottage in Wiltshire and the man who said he would never leave the City became a countryman who, with his whippets, hated leaving the country. Sadly he died in a lovely London hospital rather than the home that he loved.

If you wish to donate in Frank's memory the family have set up a Just Giving Account –

https://www.justgiving.com/page/frank-hollendoner