Hilliard Lyons
| Company type | Private (before acquisition) |
|---|---|
| Industry | Wealth management, financial services |
| Predecessor | J.J.B. Hilliard & Son, W.L. Lyons and Company |
| Founded | 1854 |
| Fate | Acquired by Robert W. Baird & Co. in October 2019; rebranded as Baird Trust in November 2021 |
| Successor | Baird Trust |
| Headquarters | Louisville , United States |
Area served | Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Mississippi, Missouri, North Carolina, Ohio, South Carolina, Tennessee, West Virginia |
| Products | Wealth management, investment banking, lending, trust services, public finance, research |
| Owner | Robert W. Baird & Co. (since 2019) |
| Parent | Robert W. Baird & Co. |
| Website | www |
J.J.B. Hilliard, W.L. Lyons, LLC, operating as Hilliard Lyons, is a comprehensive wealth management organization with locations throughout Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Mississippi, Missouri, North Carolina, Ohio, South Carolina, Tennessee, and West Virginia. The firm's main office is located in Louisville, Kentucky.
In October 2019, Robert W. Baird & Co. (Baird) acquired Hilliard Lyons, which was subsequently rebranded as Baird Trust in November 2021.
History
The company's roots trace back to 1854. The current entity was formed in 1965 when J.J.B. Hilliard & Son combined with W.L. Lyons and Company, resulting in J.J.B. Hilliard, W.L. Lyons.
Between 1998 and 2008, ownership was held by PNC Financial Services. Afterwards, control transitioned to a joint partnership comprising Hilliard Lyons employees and Houchens Industries based in Bowling Green, Kentucky.
Houchens Industries' holdings include Stewart-Richey Construction, Tampico Beverages, Food Giant, and Hitcents.
Operations
- Private Client Group
Hilliard Lyons provides financial advisory services tailored to individuals and families, encompassing retirement and estate planning, risk assessment, comprehensive financial planning, and education funding solutions.
Investment banking
The firm entered the middle-market investment banking sector in 2010 by acquiring bCatalyst Advisors to enhance services for business proprietors.
Lending
In 2011, a collaboration with The Bancorp, Inc. was established to offer lending options for clients.
Trust
Hilliard Lyons Trust Company (HLTC) administers client holdings such as real estate assets, oil and gas interests, and personal property while delivering trust-related services including executor duties and investment management.
Public finance
Supporting municipal entities like states, cities, counties, and educational institutions, the firm engages in municipal bond underwriting and trading. A significant project includes managing debt components for the $238 million Louisville Downtown Arena (currently Yum! Center) in 2010. The company maintains municipal bond operations in Louisville and Indianapolis.
Research
The research division covers approximately 130 corporations. Seven equity analysts have collectively received The Wall Street Journal's All-Star/Best on the Street recognition 17 times.
Additionally, analysts have earned the Financial Times StarMine Award five times for top industry stock selections; two analysts were ranked among the top ten nationally by the Financial Times.
Culture
Hilliard Lyons has been honored multiple times with Best Places to Work awards: ten occasions in Kentucky, seven in Indiana, five in Ohio, and previously recognized in South Carolina.
Community
The firm actively supports arts and cultural institutions such as the Kentucky Opera, Actors Theatre of Louisville, Fund for the Arts, and Junior Achievement of Kentuckiana. In 2010, it was the recipient of the Governor's Award in the Arts.