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Lazard's Strategic Move: The Launch of Lazard CL

In a significant development for the financial advisory landscape, Lazard, Inc. (NYSE: LAZ) has successfully concluded its acquisition of Campbell Lutyens. This acquisition is coupled with the launch of Lazard CL, a new entity designed to strengthen their position in the realm of private capital. Announced first on April 30, 2026, this merger is a key aspect of Lazard's broader strategy for sustainable growth through 2030 and aims to diversify its income streams while enhancing customer service offerings.

Peter Orszag, CEO and Chairman of Lazard, expressed enthusiasm regarding this merger, stating: "We are excited to launch Lazard CL as our third global business. By integrating our leading positions in primary fundraising and secondary advisory with expert knowledge in mergers and acquisitions, capital markets, and restructuring, we will enhance client connectivity and broaden our reach in both significant strategic transactions and private capital activities."

Benefits of the Merger

The amalgamation brings together top banking professionals and extensive global operations, enabling Lazard CL to offer comprehensive services to clients. With a workforce of over 300 advisors and 19 offices around the world, Lazard CL draws on nearly 40 years of successful projects, advising approximately 1,300 mandates that have collectively raised over a trillion dollars in primary capital and secondary transactions.

As the fundraising environment evolves and liquidity solutions grow more complex, institutional investors and financial sponsors are increasingly seeking unique and independent advisory services throughout the entire lifecycle of private capital. Lazard CL is strategically positioned to meet this demand, leveraging its expansive global distribution network and deep expertise.

Comprehensive Solutions Across Platforms

Lazard CL is designed to offer a full suite of services in fund placement, primary fundraising, secondary advisory, and GP capital advisory to financial sponsors, institutional investors, and other market participants across the complete lifecycle of private capital—from capital formation to liquidity and strategic alternatives. The new firm aims to connect approximately 4,000 institutional investors with compelling investment opportunities and liquidity solutions through a dedicated team exceeding 60 LP distribution professionals.

Specialization in Diverse Asset Classes

The company also possesses distinct expertise across crucial asset classes such as private equity, private credit, infrastructure, and real estate, across major capital markets including North America, Europe, the Middle East, and Asia-Pacific. Special datasets amassed over 15 years—housing around 100,000 data points on investor sentiment and about 20,000 on fund performance—will bolster the firm's analytical capabilities, enabling sharper benchmarking, improved positioning, and targeted investor outreach.

Commitment to Independent Advisory

Functioning as a specialized unit, Lazard CL is committed to delivering independent, objective, and discreet advice during every phase of the private capital cycle, from the initial fundraising to advising on GP capital. Backed by Lazard's global brand and infrastructure, yet operating autonomously, the firm strives to maintain the client-centric approach that characterized Campbell Lutyens' operations for nearly four decades.

Gordon Bajnai, Co-CEO of Lazard CL, said: "Today, Lazard CL emerges as the largest integrated private capital advisory platform in the world. Since its inception, Campbell Lutyens has built an independent, entrepreneurial franchise focused on client service, and we are proud to carry that ethos into our new enterprise."

Moreover, Holcombe Green, Co-CEO of Lazard CL, noted, "This new venture marks the next phase of our efforts in private capital advisory over the last five years, during which we've experienced significant growth. The integration enhances our private equity and real estate capabilities while capitalizing on our strengths in infrastructure and private credit services."

As stated during the acquisition announcement, the initial payment for the transaction primarily involved Lazard shares, some of which are subject to lock-up agreements of up to three years. This transaction not only boosts Lazard’s balance sheet but also aligns the combined team with the firm's long-term performance strategy. With projections indicating that Lazard CL will generate around $500 million in combined revenue and contribute positively to profits in 2027, the formation of Lazard CL signifies a momentous leap forward for the firm in the competitive private capital landscape.

For further insights and information, visit Lazard.com.

Conclusion

Overall, Lazard CL not only represents a significant strategic advantage in the financial advisory industry but also underscores Lazard's commitment to evolving with the demands of the private capital market. Through its comprehensive service offerings and deep market understanding, the newly launched entity is set to make impactful strides in the financial sector.