Lazard Bolsters Advisory Team with Key Hire from JPMorgan
Lazard has recruited a top consumer dealmaker from JPMorgan Chase, according to people familiar with the matter. The hire is part of the investment bank's strategy to strengthen its advisory capabilities in the consumer sector.
The new hire, identified as Krap, was a managing director at JPMorgan, where he focused on consumer and retail mergers and acquisitions. He advised on several high-profile deals during his tenure, including the sale of a major food company.
Strategic Move to Expand Consumer M&A
Lazard's decision to bring in Krap underscores its ambition to grow its consumer M&A practice. The bank has been actively hiring senior bankers to compete with larger rivals. A Lazard spokesperson declined to comment, while JPMorgan did not respond to requests for comment.
Krap is expected to join Lazard in the coming weeks, pending standard checks. He will be based in New York and report to the head of North American M&A.
Industry Context and Impact
The hire comes as M&A activity in the consumer sector remains robust, driven by companies seeking to adapt to changing consumer habits. According to data from Dealogic, global consumer M&A volumes reached $150 billion in the first half of the year, up 20% year-on-year.
Lazard has been investing in its advisory business, particularly in sectors where it sees growth opportunities. The bank recently hired a team of healthcare bankers from Credit Suisse. Krap's addition is expected to help Lazard capture a larger share of consumer deal flow.
