MBA Lazard, a leading investment banking firm in Latin America, announced that it has hired Enrique Cañas as a Managing Director, Investment Banking, effective July 1, 2011. Based in Bogotá, Mr. Cañas will have client coverage responsibility for Colombia, Central America and the Caribbean. He joined MBA Lazard from the International Finance Corporation (IFC), where he was Regional Country Manager for Colombia, Perú, Venezuela, Ecuador and Bolivia.

"This is a significant appointment for MBA Lazard as we look to further strengthen our presence in Latin America," said Gregorio M. Charnas, CEO of MBA Lazard. "There is now an increasing demand for independent financial advice from Colombian and Central American companies seeking overseas expansion, as well as from foreign companies looking to invest in the region."

"Enrique is highly respected within the Central American business community. His breadth of experience will help us further serve the growing M&A market and underscores our intentions to participate in the economic growth of this important region," said Matias Eliaschev, MBA Lazard's Head of Investment Banking.

Prior to joining IFC in early 2004, Mr. Cañas, 47, spent three years as CEO of Banco Uno, a leading Central American financial group, and was instrumental on its sale to Citi in 2006. Between 1999 and 2004, Mr. Cañas was CFO of Grupo Poma, one of the leading diversified economic conglomerates in the region.

About MBA Lazard

MBA Lazard is a leading investment banking, securities and investment management firm that provides a wide range of services to a diversified client base that includes corporations, financial institutions and governments. MBA Lazard has offices in Argentina, Chile, Colombia, Panamá, Perú and Uruguay. For additional information about MBA Lazard, please visit www.mba-lazard.com.

About Lazard

Lazard (NYSE: LAZ), 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 back 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.

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