Loan signing ceremonies for Turkish banks have long been an opulent affair, often with champagne and sweet treats served in London penthouse suites. It is a gratifying reward after all the hard work and tear-squeezing margins.
In one memorable event, a banker got more than he had bargained for and left the signing feeling warm and sticky.
In the traditional routine, speeches from the bank’s directors would be followed by a champagne toast. Seated around a large polished table, the lead banker would give a nod to the waiters to deliver drinks for the toast.
One lethally-enthusiastic waiter leapt forward with a tray of the effervescent gold and gave the banker an expensive shock.
The banker was not immediately aware of the mishap until bubbly liquid seeped through his shirt and jacket and he realised he had a tray of champagne marinating his suit.
The banker took the accident in good humour and kept his cool, but the Ranger couldn’t help but wonder if the experience was an intentional champagne baptism for the deal's lead. Intended as a congratulatory (wet) pat on the back.
Another loans head had trouble with spillages last week, but in slightly less glamorous circumstances. The GlobalCapital loans team was out for lunch in St Paul’s with two senior loan bankers.
After much deliberation about what to eat, an absent minded moment with a rack of ribs ensured one loan head ended up wearing more of his Korean BBQ sauce than eating it.
Likely it was the scintillating conversation that had distracted him.