Close Brothers Group Plc
A UK merchant banking group that lends to small businesses and individuals, offering asset finance, motor finance, savings accounts, and wealth management. Founded in 1878 by William Brooks Close and his brothers Fred and James, the firm began with farm mortgages in Sioux City, Iowa. In 1897, W.B. Close secured rights to build the White Pass and Yukon Route railroad, a narrow-gauge line through rugged mountains built to serve Klondike gold miners.