Lazard’s success on Aramco bond puts it in pole position for coveted IPO

Several rival bankers seeking a role on the Saudi Armaco IPO expect Lazard to get an advisory mandate, thanks to its work on the debut bond sale by Aramco that attracted more than US$100 billion of orders

LONDON: Lazard Ltd.’s success working on the blockbuster Saudi Aramco bond sale this year has put it in pole position to secure a coveted spot on the oil giant’s second attempt at the world’s largest initial public offering.

Several rival bankers seeking a role on the IPO expect Lazard to get an advisory mandate, thanks to its work on the debut bond sale by Aramco that attracted more than $100 billion of orders, people with knowledge of the matter said.