Simmons & Company International is one of the largest and most experienced independent investment banks specializing in the energy industry, offering M&A advisory, capital markets execution and investment research. Simmons & Company International has offices in Houston, Aberdeen, London and Dubai. Simmons & Company International was founded in 1974 by Matthew R. Simmons with the focus of providing financial advisory services to the growing energy service sector. From the very beginning, the business model was to provide the highest quality financial advice focused entirely on one industry, and to remain independent. In 2009, Matt Simmons retired to become "Emeritus Chairman". As of June 16, 2010, Matt Simmons retired from the company.