NetIPO, the independent German online investment bank, has hired Patrick Zeigherman to boost its international activities. The firm, founded by Stefan Albrecht, a former Deutsche Bank investment banker, was one of the first independent firms in Europe to offer online distribution of new issues to retail investors. The appointment of Zeigherman, who joins from Merrill Lynch where he was a vice-president, comes as the competition in the 'EPO' market in Europe hots up.