Lazard Capital Markets: A Unified Financial Advisory Firm

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Lazard Capital Markets is a financial advisory firm that's been around for over a century. It was founded in 1848 by Elie Lazard.

The firm is headquartered in New York City, with additional offices in major financial hubs around the world. Its global presence allows it to serve a diverse range of clients.

Lazard Capital Markets offers a range of financial advisory services, including mergers and acquisitions, equity and debt financing, and strategic advisory.

About Lazard Capital Markets

Lazard Capital Markets is a leading investment bank and asset management firm with a rich history dating back to 1848. It was founded by Elie Lazard, a French immigrant who started a small brokerage firm in New York City.

The firm's roots in investment banking date back to 1922, when it began advising clients on mergers and acquisitions. Today, Lazard Capital Markets is a global leader in this field.

Lazard Capital Markets is a subsidiary of Lazard Ltd, a multinational investment bank and financial services company. The firm has over 3,000 employees worldwide, with offices in major financial centers across the globe.

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One of the firm's key areas of expertise is in advising clients on strategic transactions, such as mergers, acquisitions, and divestitures. This expertise has made Lazard Capital Markets a go-to advisor for many major corporations.

Lazard Capital Markets also provides a range of investment banking services, including equity and debt financing, restructuring, and M&A advisory.

Services

Lazard's services are designed to help clients navigate complex financial situations. The firm advises on strategic and financial issues, including potential acquisitions and sales of businesses or assets.

They also assist with restructuring for companies in financial distress, and have experience with some of the largest restructuring assignments following the 2007 global financial crisis. This can be a crucial service for businesses facing financial difficulties.

Lazard's expertise extends to capital structure and capital raising, including private and public market financing. They help clients review and analyze structural alternatives, and assist with long-term planning.

Financial Advisory

Lazard's financial advisory services help clients navigate complex strategic and financial issues. They advise on potential acquisitions, sales, recapitalizations, and restructuring, often working on high-profile assignments.

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The firm has experience with large restructuring projects, including many of the biggest ones following the 2007 global financial crisis. They understand the importance of careful planning and analysis in these situations.

Lazard's team assists clients in reviewing and analyzing structural alternatives for their capital structure. This involves long-term planning to ensure the company's financial stability.

In addition to capital structure advice, Lazard also helps clients with capital raising, including private and public market financing. This can be a crucial step for companies looking to grow or recover from financial difficulties.

Lazard's Sovereign Advisory group offers specialized advice to governments and sovereign entities on policy and financial issues. Their expertise in this area is valuable for countries looking to make informed decisions about their financial futures.

Struggling Loses Staff

Lazard Capital Markets is losing staff to FBR, a Washington DC investment bank. 29 employees, including at least nine traders, are being transferred.

The deal allows FBR to expand its research coverage and initiate coverage of the healthcare industry. The firm will also add to its existing coverage of the TMT and consumer groups.

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FBR's chairman and CEO, Richard Hendrix, called the move a "complementary fit". He said the combined teams will be able to serve clients more effectively with a "meaningfully enhanced product offering".

The deal includes six senior research analysts, six sales traders, three position traders, and four institutional sales people. These employees will join FBR's existing research team, which will now include 31 senior analysts covering seven industry groups and Washington policy.

Lazard Capital Markets had about 200 employees before the deal. The firm continues to service its clients across all product lines, despite the transfer of staff.

Leadership

Lazard Capital Markets has a rich history of leadership, with a team of experienced individuals at the helm. The company was founded by Alexandre Lazard, Lazare Lazard, and Simon Lazard.

Over the years, the firm has been led by several notable individuals, including Alexandre Weill and David David-Weill. They have played a crucial role in shaping the company's direction and strategy.

Here is a list of some of the key leaders who have contributed to Lazard Capital Markets' success:

  • Alexandre Lazard, Lazare Lazard, and Simon Lazard (founders)
  • Alexandre Weill
  • David David-Weill
  • Pierre David-Weill
  • André Meyer
  • Michel David-Weill
  • Ken Costa
  • Bruce Wasserstein
  • Kenneth M. Jacobs

A Unified Firm

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Lazard's leadership has a rich history. In 1977, André Meyer's health began to deteriorate, and the firm came to be controlled by Michel David-Weill.

Under David-Weill's leadership, the three houses of Lazard were formally united in 2000 as Lazard LLC. This marked a significant milestone in the firm's evolution.

In 2002, David-Weill hired Bruce Wasserstein to be CEO. Wasserstein became the first chairman and CEO of Lazard after the firm went public in 2005.

Lazard's leadership has continued to evolve over the years. In 2009, Kenneth M. Jacobs was elected chairman and CEO after Wasserstein's death.

Here are some of the key leaders who have shaped Lazard's history:

  • Alexandre Lazard, Lazare Lazard, and Simon Lazard (founders)
  • Alexandre Weill
  • David David-Weill
  • Pierre David-Weill
  • André Meyer
  • Michel David-Weill
  • Ken Costa
  • Bruce Wasserstein
  • Kenneth M. Jacobs
  • Peter R. Orszag (current CEO)

In 2023, Peter Orszag was unanimously elected by Lazard's Board to serve as CEO and as a Board Director, effective October 1, 2023.

Board of Directors

The board of directors plays a crucial role in shaping the leadership of a company. As of January 2025, Lazard's board of directors consists of eight members.

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Peter R. Orszag is one of the members, bringing his expertise to the table.

Dan Schulman and Andrew Alper also sit on the board, contributing their unique perspectives.

Ann-Kristin Achleitner is another member, with a wealth of experience.

Stephen R. Howe, Jr. and Michelle Jarrard are also part of the team.

Iris Knobloch and Jane Mendillo round out the board, each bringing their own set of skills.

Here is the list of Lazard's board of directors as of January 2025:

  • Peter R. Orszag
  • Dan Schulman
  • Andrew Alper
  • Ann-Kristin Achleitner
  • Stephen R. Howe, Jr.
  • Michelle Jarrard
  • Iris Knobloch
  • Jane Mendillo

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Lazard prestigious?

Yes, Lazard is a highly respected investment banking firm, recognized for its expertise in M&A and global presence. Its prestigious reputation is built on a long history of successful transactions and a strong global network.

What is Lazard best known for?

Lazard is a leading financial advisory and asset management firm, specializing in investment banking and asset management services for institutional clients. It provides a range of financial services to help clients achieve their goals.

Does Lazard only do M&A?

No, Lazard offers a range of advisory services beyond M&A, including Restructuring, Capital Structure Advisory, and Private Capital Advisory. Their Financial Advisory business provides comprehensive support across various areas of a company's growth and development.

Elena Feeney-Jacobs

Junior Writer

Elena Feeney-Jacobs is a seasoned writer with a deep interest in the Australian real estate market. Her insightful articles have shed light on the operations of major real estate companies and investment trusts, providing readers with a comprehensive understanding of the industry. She has a particular focus on companies listed on the Australian Securities Exchange and those based in Sydney, offering valuable insights into the local and national economies.

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