Lazar Ltd. (NYSE: LAZ) is the parent company of Lazard LLC, a New York-based, independent investment bank with approximately 2,200 employees in Europe, North America, Asia and Australia. Lazard was founded in 1848 and remained privately held until May 5, 2005, when the company conducted an initial public offering of its shares. In connection with its IPO, Lazard spun off its securities underwriting business, Lazard Capital Markets, which is now an independent firm.