The Street not good at raising capital?

New York Times Magazine recently carried former WSJ reporter Roger Lowenstein's jeremiad against what he sees as Wall Street's poor performance in raising capital, which drew the ire of blogger at Sub Specie Æternitatis, whose identify remains unconfirmed by VNC.

Crow now Mercer Cap prez

At Memphis-based Mercer Capital, a business-valuation and investment banking firm, the retirement of Ken Patton led CEO Chris Mercer to elevate Matthew Crow to the president's post. The firm's release. Crow has been with Mercer Capital 15 years. He earned his master's at UNC Chapel Hill and his bachelor's at Vanderbilt University.

Avondale Partners expands research staff

Investment banker, wealth manager and research house Avondale Partners now has 14 research analysts covering about 150 companies, thanks to recently announced additions to its research staff.

Promos at Pharos Capital/Dallas

Pharos Capital Group, based in Nashville and Dallas, announced its promotion of Joseph Acevedo (Left) to VP and Ryan Shelton to associate. Both will become more involved in Pharos portfolio-company monitoring, due diligence and deal flow.