The French Rothschilds can supply the vin, but look to the UK Rothschilds to provide the financial coup. With roots going back to the 1700s, N M Rothschild & Sons is the UK-based merchant banking arm of the Rothschild family's financial empire. Better known as Rothschild Merchant Banking, the firm specializes in private equity and private debt investments in mid-market European businesses. Managing over €5 billion ($5.5 billion) in assets, the firm also provides strategic and financial support to help its portfolio companies grow. The Rothschild family ultimately controls the firm through investment giant Rothschild & Co (formerly Paris-Orléans).