Bruce Wasserstein was an American investment banker, businessman, and writer who began his career as an attorney with Cravath, Swaine & Moore. His ability to skillfully negotiate complex, high-stakes situations led to his appointment as head of investment banking at First Boston Corporation. He subsequently established the investment bank boutique Wasserstein Perella & Co., which he later sold to Dresdner Bank of Germany. He then became chairman and CEO of Lazard, an international financial advisory and asset management firm. He also served as chairman of Wasserstein & Co., a private equity and investment firm. In addition, Wasserstein wrote four books, which, like his business negotiations, reflected his creativity and flexibility in coping with larger social changes such as globalization and technological advancement.
Bruce Wasserstein received the Great Negotiator Award in recognition of his contributions over three decades as a lawyer and Wall Street banker and as a reputable leader in negotiations in the mergers and acquisitions and investment banking industries. Wasserstein was widely regarded as a consummate dealmaker in his profession.