Lazard Middle Market, a subsidiary of Lazard Ltd (NYSE:LAZ), announced today that David Santoni has returned as a Managing Director in Lazard Middle Market’s financial sponsor coverage group. He is based in Minneapolis.

“David is one of the top sponsor coverage bankers and was an important team member with us for more than 12 years, before he left to pursue other opportunities. We are delighted to welcome him back,” said David Solomon, Chief Executive Officer of Lazard Middle Market. “He brings exceptional relationships in the private equity community.”

Mr. Santoni has more than 20 years of experience in mergers and acquisitions (M&A) and corporate finance, and has executed transactions on behalf of many nationally recognized private equity sponsors. Most recently he was a partner at Minneapolis-based Prestwick Partners. Prior to his investment banking career, Mr. Santoni practiced law with the international law firm of Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP in Toronto. He advised Canadian companies on M&A transactions, including public and private equity and debt financings, and cross-border M&A. Mr. Santoni previously spent several years with the Cleveland-based law firm of Thompson, Hine and Flory, focusing on M&A and corporate finance.

About Lazard Middle Market

Lazard’s middle market advisory practice provides substantive financial and strategic advice on mergers and acquisitions, restructuring, and capital raising to mid-sized companies. Its senior professionals bring deep sector expertise and important CEO and senior board-level relationships in their focus industries, leveraging the global resources of Lazard, which operates from 43 cities across 27 countries in North America, Europe, Asia, Australia, and Central and South America. For more information, please visit www.lazardmm.com.