Aramco Said to Select Lazard, Moelis for World’s Biggest IPO - Bloomberg

Aramco Said to Select Lazard, Moelis for World’s Biggest IPO - Bloomberg:

Saudi Aramco has picked Lazard Ltd. and Moelis & Co. to advise on the oil giant’s second attempt at the world’s largest initial public offering, people with knowledge of the matter said.

The boutique investment banks have started preparatory work on the offering, according to the people, who asked not to be identified because the information is private. They are expected to play a key role in the listing, including in the selection of underwriters and listing venues as well as working to ensure Aramco can secure its valuation expectations, the people said.

The selection is a boon particularly for Lazard, which wasn’t one of the advisers on Aramco’s first listing attempt. The oil producer was originally working with Evercore Inc. and Moelis, as well as HSBC Holdings Plc, JPMorgan Chase & Co. and Morgan Stanley. Lazard’s success working on the blockbuster Aramco bond sale this year put it in pole position to secure a role on the IPO.