How to Answer 'Describe an Interesting M&A Deal' at Lazard 2027
"Describe an interesting M&A deal" is a Lazard interview staple for the 2027 intake — it appears in the video interview and the final round. Most candidates either freeze, ramble about a deal they half-remember, or pick something so famous it invites brutal follow-ups. There is a right way to answer it.
What the Lazard Interesting M&A Deal Question Tests
The Lazard interesting M&A deal question tests three things at once: whether you follow markets, whether you understand deal logic, and whether you can explain it clearly. Interviewers don't care which deal you pick — they care that you can articulate the strategic rationale, the valuation logic, and your own view. A candidate who can do this in two minutes looks like a future analyst. One who can't looks like a tourist.
How to Answer the Lazard Interesting M&A Deal Question
Use this structure:
- Pick smart: Choose a deal Lazard advised on if possible — it flatters and shows research. Otherwise pick a recent, mid-profile deal you can genuinely explain. Avoid mega-deals everyone cites unless you have a real angle.
- The facts in 20 seconds: Buyer, target, deal value, sector. One sentence.
- The rationale in 60 seconds: Why did the buyer want it? Synergies, market positioning, growth. This is the core of your answer — show you think like an advisor.
- Your view in 30 seconds: Was the price fair? What are the risks? Having an opinion is what separates you from someone reading headlines.
Practice this on a timer. Two minutes total — no more.
The Mistakes That Kill the 'Interesting Deal' Answer
Three classic failures: picking a deal you can't explain beyond the headline; choosing something ancient because you memorised it once; and having no opinion when asked "what do you think of the valuation?" — which is always the follow-up. If you walk into the Lazard video interview without a prepared deal, you are gambling your application on thinking clearly under recording pressure. Don't.
How to Prepare Your Deal Answer
Follow one deal properly: read the announcement, the rationale coverage, and the market reaction. Write your two-minute answer, record it, and cut the fluff. And see what good looks like: our 2027 Lazard Online Assessment Video Interview Exact Questions and Answers pack includes model answers for the deal question, so you can calibrate your structure and depth before you record. A polished deal answer is one of the highest-ROI preparations you can do.
FAQ
Should I pick a Lazard-advised deal? Ideally yes — it shows genuine interest in the firm. But only if you can explain it well; a well-explained other deal beats a fumbled Lazard one.
How recent should the deal be? Within the last 12–18 months. Recent enough to be relevant, old enough that the outcome is known.
What if they ask a follow-up I can't answer? Say what you know, then reason aloud. Interviewers reward structured thinking over bluffing.
Can I use the same deal for 'Why Lazard' and this question? You can, but develop each answer separately — the angles are different (firm fit vs commercial analysis).
Preparing for Lazard's video interview? Our 2027 Lazard Online Assessment Video Interview Exact Questions and Answers has the exact questions and answers — $79 one-time, instant download.
