Key facts
- Houlihan Lokey has hired Jean-Baptiste Didier as a Managing Director in its Financial Sponsors Group in Paris.
- Didier will lead the firm's financial sponsor coverage activities in France.
- His appointment strengthens Houlihan Lokey's presence in the French private equity market.
- Didier previously worked at Stifel, Citi, J.P. Morgan, and Morgan Stanley.
Houlihan Lokey, Inc. has announced the appointment of Jean-Baptiste Didier as a Managing Director in its Financial Sponsors Group, based in Paris. Didier will be responsible for leading the firm's financial sponsor coverage activities in France, a move that further strengthens Houlihan Lokey's engagement with the French private equity market.
Didier joins Houlihan Lokey from Stifel, where he held the position of Managing Director and Head of Healthcare Investment Banking France. His prior experience includes roles at Citi, where he was Head of Sponsor and Infrastructure Coverage France, and earlier positions at J.P. Morgan and Morgan Stanley. In these capacities, he advised prominent private equity firms and infrastructure investors on a variety of significant transactions, developing expertise in mergers and acquisitions, capital markets, and strategic advisory.
His arrival follows recent expansions of Houlihan Lokey's European team, including Managing Directors Martin Rezaie in Germany and Neil Price in the U.K. over the past year. Christian Keller, Managing Director and Head of European Private Equity Coverage at Houlihan Lokey, highlighted Didier's extensive track record and deep connectivity within the French private equity ecosystem as invaluable assets for the firm's continued growth and advisory services.
Didier expressed enthusiasm for joining Houlihan Lokey, citing its global reach, industry expertise, and client-centric approach as key differentiators. He anticipates contributing to the firm's growth in France and collaborating with colleagues globally to assist clients in navigating complex transaction environments.
Houlihan Lokey's Financial Sponsors Group is noted as one of the largest dedicated teams among investment banks, comprising over 35 professionals, including 24 Managing Directors, across ten countries. The group manages relationships with more than 2,000 entities, including private equity firms, credit funds, family offices, and sovereign wealth funds.