André Meyer (August 4 1901 – November 30 1979) was a Swiss‑American investment banker and a prominent partner at the financial firm Lazard Frères & Co. He is noted for his influential role in post‑World‑II corporate finance, his development of the "Lazard model" for mergers and acquisitions, and his extensive philanthropic activities.
Early Life and Education
- Born in Basel, Switzerland, to a Jewish family.
- Studied at the University of Basel, earning a doctorate in law (Ph.D.) in 1924.
- Emigrated to the United States in the late 1920s, becoming a naturalized American citizen.
Career
- Joined Lazard Frères in 1935, becoming a partner in 1939.
- Played a key role in restructuring and financing major corporations, including Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company, IBM, and General Motors.
- Developed the practice of offering tailored financial advisory services, which expanded Lazard's influence in international markets.
- Retired from active management in the early 1970s but remained a senior advisor until his death.
Philanthropy and Legacy
- Supported numerous cultural and educational institutions, notably the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Museum of Modern Art, and the New York Public Library.
- Established endowments and scholarships in the United States and Switzerland.
- His approach to investment banking emphasized long‑term relationships and strategic guidance, influencing subsequent generations of financiers.
Personal Life
- Married to Vera Heller; the couple had three children.
- Known for his patronage of the arts and close ties to the cultural elite of New York City.
Death
André Meyer died on November 30 1979 in New York City at the age of 78. His contributions to finance and philanthropy continue to be recognized in historical accounts of 20th‑century banking.
