Full service, global investment dealer Canaccord Adams announced today the initial phase of establishing a U.S. domestic energy practice with the addition of Ric Saalwachter, managing director, investment banking and Irene Haas, principal, equity research.

Saalwachter and Haas will be based in Canaccord Adams’ new Houston, Tex., office.

Canaccord Adams is the international capital markets division of Canaccord Capital Inc.

“Canaccord Adams is focused on building a U.S. domestic energy practice and the addition of these two experienced professionals is the first step in achieving this goal,” said Paul Reynolds, vice chairman and head of Canaccord Adams. “We plan to expand this team with additional expertise in sales, research and investment banking and offer idea-based services for growth oriented U.S. energy firms,” he added.

Saalwachter has been in the investment banking business for over 25 years, most recently as managing director in the energy group at Sanders Morris Harris. Saalwachter received a B.A. from Fairfield University.

Haas comes to Canaccord Adams with more than 20 years experience in the energy industry. Most recently, she was senior vp, of institutional research focused on exploration and production energy companies at Sanders Morris Harris. Haas received an M.B.A. from Rice University, a Masters of Science in Marine Geophysics from the University of Delaware and a B.A from Rice University.

Rick Grafton, Global Co-head of Energy for Canaccord Adams added, “A U.S. energy practice is a natural expansion for Canaccord Adams, and will integrate well with our existing global energy practice and team of over 50 dedicated professionals in Canada and the United Kingdom.”