Lazard taps veteran healthcare dealmaker Colocci as vice chairman

UK -Lazard Ltd, a prominent investment bank, has announced the appointment of veteran healthcare strategist Michele Colocci as vice chairman and managing director. 

This signals a strategic move to bolster its healthcare advisory division. 

Colocci, previously the chairman of mergers and acquisitions at Morgan Stanley, brings a wealth of experience from his tenure as global co-head of healthcare investment banking and deputy head of investment banking for Europe at the prestigious firm. 

He is slated to assume his new role at Lazard in June, based in the financial hub of London.

In his forthcoming capacity, Colocci will integrate into Lazard’s esteemed healthcare franchise, working alongside industry stalwarts such as David Gluckman, Jean-Louis Girodolle, and Cyrus Kapadia. 

Peter R. Orszag, Chief Executive Officer of Lazard, expressed confidence in Colocci’s ability, stating, “Michele’s experience as a trusted advisor to clients will be tremendously valuable as we continue to invest in our significant European business.

“His expertise will help advance the expansion of our preeminent healthcare business, and we are thrilled to welcome him to Lazard.”

Colocci reciprocated the sentiment, affirming, “Lazard is at an exciting inflection point in its growth plans, and I am honored to be joining the firm at this time.

“Advisors continually strive to differentiate themselves for the clarity, independence, and relevance of their advice to clients as they seek to manage risk, innovate and grow — Lazard has long focused its franchise around these elements, and I very much look forward to joining that effort.”

The healthcare sector continues to play a pivotal role in global dealmaking, constituting 10.2% of total deals in 2024, as per data from the London Stock Exchange Group (LSEG). 

Anticipated to sustain robust activity, this sector is being propelled by burgeoning demands for both medical services and pharmaceuticals, particularly within the context of an aging populace and a buoyant market for weight-loss medications.

Pharmaceutical giants are making substantial investments to expand the production of innovative weight-loss drugs, thereby catalyzing growth for contract development and manufacturing organizations (CDMOs). 

In February, Novo Holdings announced its acquisition of Catalent, a key manufacturing subcontractor, for a staggering US$16.5 billion, aimed at augmenting the output of its popular obesity drug, Wegovy.

Lizard’s noteworthy deals include Vertex’s acquisition of Alpine Immune Sciences for US$4.9 billion, Galderma’s successful IPO, and Biogen’s US$7.3 billion acquisition of Reata Pharmaceuticals.

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