Goldman promotes UK trio

FOR 11 senior staff at the London offices of Goldman Sachs, the American investment bank, the telephone call of a lifetime came through yesterday morning.

On the line was Steven Friedman, the firm's chairman in New York: 'Congratulations. You've just been made a partner.'

The elevation to partner at Goldman Sachs, one of the world's richest partnerships, is the equivalent of winning the National Lottery every year. Depending on the firm's performance, equity partners can make millions.

In total 58 new partners were announced yesterday. Of the 11 in London only three are British.

Mike Sherwood, head of European syndication, is the youngest at 29. Richard Sharp, from the investment banking division, is the son of a former Cable and Wireless chairman, the late Lord Sharp of Grimsdyke. The third is Anthony Williams, a derivatives specialist.

Of the three Mr Sherwood is perhaps the most remarkable. He left the firm earlier this year to join a Swiss bank but came back after a week. He is thought to have been paid a bonus of pounds 3m last Christmas.

(Photograph omitted)