2005 saw 60% more equity raised in the oil patch than in 2004, a good bit of the difference by an increased presence of Canadian independent securities dealers, according to Calgary-based investment-banker Sayer Energy Advisors. Of the C$7.7 billion in new energy equity raised in Canada in 2005 (up from C$4.9 billion in 2004), Canadian independent brokerage firms financed some C$4.7 billion, up from C$2.6 billion in 2004, reports Tom Pavic, a vice president with the firm. Canadian firms also secured all of the top five spots on the list of top dealers in equity financings, up from two in 2004. The top five for 2005 were GMP Securities LP, Canaccord Capital Corp., Tristone Capital Inc., FirstEnergy Capital Corp. and Sprott Securities Inc., Pavic reports. This group raised 58% of the total C$4.7 billion in equity financings done by independent dealers in 2005, Pavic says. The top three dealers remained unchanged from 2004-GMP Securities, Canaccord Capital and FirstEnergy. For more on this, see the June issue of Oil and Gas Investor. For a subscription, call 713-260-6441.