#USA #New York #Private Capital #Lazard #Campbell Lutyens

Lazard Completes Acquisition of Campbell Lutyens and Launches Lazard CL

On November 3, 2026, Lazard, Inc. announced the successful completion of its acquisition of Campbell Lutyens, a highly regarded firm in the private capital advisory sector. This strategic move not only enhances Lazard's capabilities but also marks the inception of Lazard CL, a global leader poised to reshape the future of private capital advisory.

This acquisition, first announced on April 30, 2026, combines the top-notch expertise and banking operations of Lazard with the exceptional team from Campbell Lutyens. The establishment of Lazard CL aligns perfectly with Lazard's ambitious 'Lazard 2030' strategy, aimed at facilitating long-term growth, broadening service offerings, and diversifying revenue streams.

Peter Orszag, CEO and Chairman of Lazard, expressed his enthusiasm for the establishment of Lazard CL, stating, "By leveraging our leading positions in primary capital raising and secondary advisory alongside our expertise in M&A, capital markets, and restructuring, we are enhancing collaboration across our advisory sectors. This synergy will bolster our outreach in the significant private capital sector."

Lazard CL combines complementary platforms that have a proven track record of 40 years in assisting clients with primary and secondary capital raising, amassing over $1 trillion in deal volume across 1,300 mandates. As competition intensifies in capital raising and liquidity solutions become more complex, institutional investors and financial sponsors require independent, differentiated advice throughout the private capital lifecycle. With a robust global distribution network and unparalleled expertise, Lazard CL is positioned to meet these evolving needs.

Comprehensive Service Offerings

Lazard CL provides a full suite of services, including fund placement, primary capital raising, and secondary advisory, tailored for general partners, institutional investors, and active market participants across the entire private equity lifecycle—from capital raising to liquidity and strategic alternatives. The firm is expanding its global distribution capabilities to connect around 4,000 institutional investors with attractive investment opportunities and liquidity solutions through a dedicated team of over 60 LP distribution experts.

Expertise Across Asset Classes and Transactions

Specializing in key asset classes such as private equity, private credit, infrastructure, and real estate, Lazard CL boasts extensive experience across major financial centers including North America, Europe, the Middle East, and Asia-Pacific. This breadth of expertise enhances its service capability, equipping clients with tailored solutions in diverse financial markets.

Data-Driven Insights

Lazard CL's competitive edge is further amplified by proprietary datasets developed over the past 15 years, encompassing around 100,000 data points on investor sentiment and 20,000 points on fund performance. Coupled with Lazard's leading AI capabilities, these insights enable precise evaluations, strategic positioning, and targeted outreach to investors.

Independent Advisory Approach

Dedicated to catering specifically to private capital clients, Lazard CL operates under the strength of Lazard's global brand and infrastructure while maintaining its independence. This structure allows for the provision of unbiased, objective, and discreet advisory services at every stage of the private equity cycle, ensuring that clients receive tailored support from initial capital sourcing to general partner advisory.

Gordon Bajnai, Co-CEO of Lazard CL, highlighted the magnitude of this initiative, stating, "Today, Lazard CL embarks on its journey as the world's largest integrated private capital advisory platform. The entrepreneurial legacy built over 38 years at Campbell Lutyens, rooted in a client-centric philosophy, will drive the culture of our new business, enabling us to offer our clients unparalleled global reach and presence."

Furthermore, Holcombe Green, also a Co-CEO, remarked on how Lazard CL represents the culmination of five years of progress at Lazard in private capital advisory—a period during which the firm has more than doubled its revenue and expanded its global footprint. This acquisition complements Lazard's existing strengths in private equity and real estate by integrating leading positions in infrastructure and private credit, fostering a comprehensive advisory solution framework.

The acquisition was primarily financed through Lazard shares, some of which are subject to a lock-up period of up to three years. This strategy not only strengthens Lazard's balance sheet but also aligns the interests of the combined team with the long-term growth of the company. As previously discussed during Lazard's Q3 earnings call, the Campbell Lutyens business has exceeded initial expectations, reinforcing the anticipated performance of Lazard CL.

By 2027, Lazard expects Lazard CL to generate an estimated total revenue of around $500 million, positively impacting the overall results without considering revenue synergies. As the private capital market continues to evolve, Lazard CL stands ready to adapt and thrive, delivering exceptional value to clients across the globe.

For more information, visit Lazard's website.