Lazard Expands Financial Advisory in North America with Acquisition of Canada-Based Verus Partners

NEW YORK & TORONTO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--

Lazard Ltd LAZ announced today that it has acquired Verus Partners, an independent financial advisory boutique headquartered in Toronto. Brian Hanson, Co-founder and Managing Partner of Verus, has been named Chairman and CEO, Lazard Canada Investment Banking, effective immediately.

"Brian and his team bring to Lazard's global network a number of Canada's most experienced and knowledgeable advisors, who have deep relationships with Canada's leading companies," said Alex Stern, Chief Executive Officer of Lazard Financial Advisory. "This combination augments the strength of our North American franchise as we continue to focus on growth by investing in our business worldwide."

"Lazard shares our focus on trusted advice, senior advisor engagement with clients, intellectual capital and the highest standards of integrity and discretion," said Mr. Hanson. "Today we are greatly enhancing the breadth and depth of resources we offer our clients as they seek growth through M&A or other strategic transactions, whether intra-Canada or cross-border."

Verus Partners is a boutique of highly experienced investment bankers and senior advisors. Mr. Hanson has more than 25 years of Canadian and international advisory experience. He is a former Vice Chairman of CIBC World Markets and former Co-Head of UBS's M&A group in New York. Also joining Lazard is Verus Co-founder and Senior Partner Richard (Dick) Falconer, who was Vice Chairman of CIBC World Markets, and has been a trusted advisor to Canadian corporations and families for more than 40 years, as well as Guy Savard, former Chairman of Merrill Lynch Canada and President and Chief Operating Officer of the Caisse de dépôt et placement du Québec, who will serve as a Senior Advisor to Lazard in Quebec and Atlantic Canada.

About Lazard

Lazard, one of the world's preeminent financial advisory and asset management firms, operates from 42 cities across 27 countries in North America, Europe, Asia, Australia, Central and South America. With origins dating to 1848, the firm provides advice on mergers and acquisitions, strategic matters, restructuring and capital structure, capital raising and corporate finance, as well as asset management services to corporations, partnerships, institutions, governments and individuals. For more information on Lazard, please visit www.lazard.com. Follow Lazard at @LazardLtd.

About Verus Partners

Verus Partners & Co. is an independent investment banking advisory firm that provides tailored, strategic, M&A, financial and capital markets advice to senior decision makers in companies, families, institutions, financial sponsors and governments across all industry sectors. Verus distinguishes itself through its independent, senior partner attention, innovative and discreet advice, and principal approach.

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