In 1848, Alexandre, Lazare and Simon Lazard, three French brothers from the Alsace region in France, found Lazard Frères & Co in New Orleans as a dry goods merchant, after migrating to the United States in the early 1840s. Shortly after, the company moved to San Francisco to expand its trading business and develop its first foreign exchange office between Europe and the United States, before engaging in banking activities. The Paris office was established in 1854, the London branch opened in 1870 and the New York Banking House in 1880. Lazard became a global player in international banking, notably in corporate finance advisory and asset management services. This exceptional background shaped a unique culture, passed on through the generations. Lazard has been listed on the New York Stock Exchange since May 2005, but nonetheless remains partly owned by its associates and employees. Lazard serves investors around the world through a broad range of global investment solutions and investment management services. Lazard Asset Management operates across 14 countries throughout North America, Europe and Asia, as well as in Australia. The group focuses on strategies drawing on rigorous, detailed analysis and dynamic asset management.