Peter Meinertzhagen, one of the UK's most respected corporate brokers, is to step back from Hoare Govett, the broking arm of ABN Amro.

After nearly 40 years working at the heart of the City of London, Meinertzhagen, who is 58 next month, has decided it is time to retire from day-to-day broking. However, he will be returning to Hoare Govett after a three month sabbatical to work on a consultancy basis.