THIRD TEAM

John Kershaw & team BofA Merrill Lynch Global Research

Newcomer John Kershaw pilots the BofA Merrill Lynch Global Research team to its first appearance in the ranking since 2007. Kershaw and his team of five analysts recommended J. Sainsbury in April, at 346.60p, making the case that the London-based supermarket operator’s expansion would enable it to pick up market share. They were right; Kantar Worldpanel, a market research firm headquartered in London, reported that the retailer’s market share had grown by 5.5 percent in the three months through September 15. By the end of the year, the stock had advanced 8.6 percent, to 376.30p. “I enjoy meeting with analysts who can provide me with a clear, simple and actionable view; this is what I get from John Kershaw,” declares one buy-side backer.