History

Our firm’s long history and reputation gives us the ability to seek out the right professionals and resources to meet the specific needs of our clients.

We trace our roots back to January 1975, when Jim White founded “White & Company” to focus on municipal and middle market corporate finance. We have evolved from a firm primarily focused on municipal bond advisory and underwriting services to one that helps clients address a broad range of complex financial problems as well as manage and invest capital.

While much of our recent history is told through our client stories, the following are a few key dates in our history.

1975
January 1975

Founding

“White & Company” founded by Jim White to focus on municipal and middle market corporate finance.

1977
January 1977

City of Birmingham

White & Company was hired by the City of Birmingham as financial advisor, and served in this capacity for the next 22 years.

1984
May 1984

Porter, White & Yardley, Inc.

Porter, White & Yardley, Inc. formed to continue the business of White & Company, with the addition of municipal bond underwriting and trading, small cap stock trading, and retail brokerage.

June 1984

Kip Porter

Kip Porter joined the firm to focus on middle market corporate finance.

1993
February 1993

Renamed

The company’s trading desk and retail brokerage unit was sold to Morgan Keegan. Porter, White & Yardley was renamed “Porter White & Company.”

1995
March 1995

Expanded Services – RIA

Porter, White & Company’s Registered Investment Advisor (RIA) unit started.

2002
February 2002

Goodloe White

Goodloe White joins the firm bringing his international investment banking background and practical experience as a chief financial officer.

2004
November 2004

Expanded services

PW&Co expands its investment consulting services to include retirement plans.

2005
February 2005

Capital Raising

PW&Co completes first distressed capital raising by securing capital from five different sources for a struggling small business.

July 2005

$50 Million

Investment assets under management cross $50 million.

2007
December 2007

$100 Million

Investment assets under management cross $100 million.

2008
May 2008

Jefferson County

PW&Co issues report documenting the overpayment of fees on interest rate swaps by Jefferson County.

2013
September 2013

$250 Million

Investment assets under management cross $250 million.

2017
September 2017

Community Bank M&A

Principals of PW&Co completes first advisory assignment for the merger of two community banks.

December 2017

$500 Million

Investment assets under management cross $500 million.