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Herbert J. Sims & Co. (HJS)
Herbert J. Sims & Co. is a niche investment bank and asset manager focused on senior living and health care financing, founded in 1935 by Herbert J. Sims.
Herbert J. Sims & Co. (HJS)
Herbert J. Sims & Co. was founded in 1935 by Herbert J. Sims in New York, initially focused on municipal and corporate bond underwriting. By the 1980s, the firm specialized in financing for senior living, health care, and education facilities, building a niche that continues today. John M. Pyden Sr. currently serves as Chairman and CEO. HJS structures and places debt for non-profit and for-profit senior living operators, including tax-exempt revenue bonds, direct private placements, and mezzanine loans. The firm also manages capital in real estate and infrastructure assets, with a focus on middle-market transactions. Named clients include operators such as Erickson Living, Westminster Communities, and National Church Residences. The firm's geographic footprint covers the United States, with the highest concentration of deals in the Southeast, Southwest, and Mid-Atlantic regions. With a team of approximately 60 professionals, HJS has completed over 1,000 financing transactions since inception. The firm maintains a dedicated asset management division, HJS Asset Management, which oversees investment portfolios for institutions and family offices. In October 2023, the firm announced the closing of an oversubscribed direct lending fund targeting senior living operators (per HJS press release, October 2023). HJS differs from larger investment banks in its exclusive focus on the senior living and health care service verticals — a structural constraint that yields deep sector expertise. The firm's ability to underwrite both taxable and tax-exempt debt across public and private markets gives it an unusual hybrid positioning in the middle market.
General information
Firm type
Bank / Wealth / Trust
Year founded
1935
AUM
Undisclosed
Location
Region
North America
Country
United States
City
Fairfield
Corporate office
Fairfield, CT, United States
Additional offices
New York, NY · Boca Raton, FL · Dallas, TX
Principals
Herbert J. Sims
Founder
John M. Pyden Sr.
Chairman & CEO
Sector focus
Frequently asked questions
Who runs investment decisions at Herbert J. Sims & Co.?
Investment decisions are led by Chairman and CEO John M. Pyden Sr., who has been with the firm for over three decades. The senior leadership team includes managing directors overseeing the debt and asset management divisions.
How does HJS source proprietary deal flow?
HJS sources proprietary deal flow through long-standing relationships with senior living and health care operators, many non-profit. The firm's reputation as a niche capital markets advisor provides repeat mandates. HJS also participates in reverse inquiries from municipal advisors.
Does HJS participate in fund commitments or only direct deals?
HJS operates both a direct advisory and placement business (originating and underwriting debt) and manages discretionary capital through its asset management arm. The firm has also raised private credit vehicles.
What investment stages does HJS typically target?
HJS focuses on growth, acquisition, and recapitalization financing for middle-market senior living and health care operators. It does not typically participate in venture or early-stage investments.
Which sectors does HJS explicitly avoid?
The firm explicitly avoids technology, energy, and most commercial real estate outside of its senior living and health care focus. Its sector concentration is a deliberate structural choice.
Is HJS structured as a family office or an investment bank?
HJS is registered as a broker-dealer and investment advisor, functioning as an investment bank and asset manager, not a family office. It is owned by its senior management and employees.
Does HJS maintain philanthropic structures, and how are they separated?
HJS does not maintain a separate charitable foundation. It does, however, advise non-profit senior living clients, many of which have affiliated foundations.
Profile maintained by Altss using OSINT (open-source intelligence), regulatory filings, licensed data partners, and verified direct submissions. Read the methodology. Last updated: . Continuous refresh with full update cycles at least every 30 days.
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