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History

The story behind Research Capital Corporation is interwoven with the history of this country. The company traces its roots back to 1921, when wine merchant W. Harold Mara and Leigh M. McCarthy, past director of Manufacturers Life Insurance, founded Mara McCarthy Stock and Bond Brokers. The new firm underwrote many notable Canadian companies, including Canada Malting and Hiram Walker Gooderham & Worts. Both principals were very involved in Toronto business and social circles: in 1930, Harold Mara was elected president of the Toronto Stock Exchange and was said to be one of the organization's most popular heads, while Leigh McCarthy served as a director of St. John's Convalescent Hospital and the Ontario Jockey Club (now known as Woodbine Entertainment Group).

In 1941, the company underwent a number of name changes as it evolved. In 1941, it became Stanton, Hatch and McCarthy and was a primary distributor of the War Bonds and Victory Bonds used to support Canadian troops in World War II; these were the predecessors to Canada Savings Bonds. Becoming Andras, Hatch and Hetherington in 1962, the firm continued to earn its reputation as a leading Canadian brokerage dealer whose founders were concerned in the country's social welfare. In 1962, founder Kenneth B. Andras (whose son, Kenneth W. Andras, is a director of Research Capital) led a delegation to NATO that helped negotiate the Community of Nations blueprint and was also a founder of international relief organization C.A.R.E. Canada. The tradition of service to charity continues. Over the history of Research Capital, the firm has employed many members of the Rotary Club of Toronto, four of whom have served as its President.

In 1985, a merger with the investment dealer Canavest House resulted in the firm Andras, Canavest Hetherington Limited, whose four principals remain with Research Capital to this day: Kenneth W. Andras, David C. Hetherington, Andrew C. Selbie, and Patrick G. Walsh. Shortly afterwards, the firm merged with Research Securities of Canada and the highly-regarded Calgary office of the firm F.H. Deacon Hodgson (which brought with it Research Capital's current Honourary Chairman, Ian Griffin). Finally, in 1989, the decision was made to change the firm's name to Research Capital Corporation.

The core values that have served the firm and its clients since 1921 remain today. Research Capital believes that painstaking, exhaustive and - most importantly - impartial and objective research is the most fundamental requirement for making money for its clients. It is one of this company's core competencies. Our name reflects the commitment to this belief.