Duff & Phelps Corporation, an independent financial advisory and investment banking firm, announced that it has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Pagemill Partners, a Silicon Valley-based investment banking and valuation services firm. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed. Subject to customary closing conditions, the transaction is expected to close by the end of the year.

Consisting of 25 employees, the Pagemill team focuses on advising global technology companies in the middle market, as well as emerging organizations. The acquisition will enhance Duff & Phelps' Mergers & Acquisitions practice and further develop the firm's technology industry expertise.

The Pagemill team will work closely with colleagues throughout Duff & Phelps who provide complementary financial advisory services and technology industry expertise, including professionals in the firm's existing Silicon Valley and San Francisco offices. This collaboration continues an effort to strengthen key industry specializations for Duff & Phelps; earlier this year, the firm deepened its knowledge of the energy, mining and infrastructure industries by acquiring Texas-based investment banking services firm Growth Capital Partners.