Lazard Asset Management is a global investment firm with 150 years of experience in providing financial services (details about us). In March, 1999, the firm launched its asset management subsidiary in Germany. Using the international network of Lazard, the German company offers professional fund advisory services to institutional clients via segregated funds and outsourcing mandates. In addition, a broad variety of mutual funds, designed to the needs of institutional investors, is available for private clients, too.

Due to changes in the regulatory environment, it became possible to merge the activities of four separate companies in the Lazard Asset Management (Deutschland) GmbH. Effective September 13th, 2004, the activities of Lazard Fondsmarketing GmbH (mutual fund marketing) and of Lazard Asset Management (Europe) GmbH (advisory) have been transferred to Lazard Asset Management (Deutschland) GmbH and will be continued unaltered.

As of December 31st, 2005, Lazard Asset Management (Deutschland) GmbH managed 100 mandates (segregated funds, mutual funds, advisories), representing EUR 7,3 billion, with a staff of 52 employees.

Why Lazard?

• International and local funds management

Lazard conducts investment research on a global basis, drawing from the ideas and expertise of our global investment team members. Our portfolio managers in Frankfurt work together with the teams in conducting hands-on, bottom-up research on securities from many industries and countries around the world. It is this teamwork that makes our portfolio managers in Frankfurt an integral part of the investment process for our German clients.

• Performance

Lazard prides itself on being able to construct portfolios that seek to maximize returns while controlling risk.

• Individuality

Our portfolio managers' primary focus is developing a close, responsive relationship with you that will help you meet your definition of success. Our managers are always available to meet with you in both our Frankfurt and Hamburg offices.

• Independence

Clients of Lazard are free to choose to work with the brokerage and custodian of their choice. In order to avoid conflict of interest, Lazard Asset Management will not recommend any broker or custodian that is affiliated with Lazard. The use of specialized third parties within the asset management process leads to an optimized cost-performance-ratio.

Investment Process

Our investment style is bottom-up, and driven by fundamental research, analysis and intensive accounting validation. This quantitative and qualitative approach relies on a global network of more that 100 portfolio managers and research analysts. Organised in global teams by sector and product type, fixed income and equity analysts meet regularly with the managements of the companies in which we invest. Our detailed portfolio construction process depends primarily on research generated in house, though external sources and databases are also consulted in the process. Lazard employs a team approach that brings together groups of analysts with on average 14 years investment experience to ensure that the best ideas are chosen for each client portfolio.