Investec Henderson Crosthwaite has appointed John Jackson, a veteran high-profile M&A deal-maker, and a former finance director of Hillsdown, to launch a drive into the food and consumer goods sector.

Corporate financiers at rival banks have expressed surprise that Investec Henderson Crosthwaite , led by Perry Crosthwaite, had not built up an advisory service until now to complement its extensive research coverage in food.