Rahm Emanuel Joins Wasserstein Perella as Partner in Chicago Office; Former Senior Advisor to President Clinton to Focus On Merchant Banking, Strategic Advisory and M&A Assignments

Business Wire, Jan 6, 1999

CHICAGO/NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jan. 6, 1999--Rahm Emanuel, former senior advisor to the President of the United States for policy and strategy, has joined Wasserstein Perella & Co. as a partner in the firm's Chicago office. Mr. Emanuel will concentrate on merchant banking, strategic advisory, and mergers & acquisitions assignments.

Michael J. Biondi, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Wasserstein Perella & Co., said, "Rahm Emanuel played a pivotal role in the passage of NAFTA, GATT, and the recently balanced federal budget. He brings a wealth of expertise in economic policy and on advising at the senior-most levels. Our clients will benefit from the breadth of knowledge and the top-line policy perspective he brings."

Mr. Emanuel said, "I'm thrilled to join a firm with such a powerful and focused franchise in merchant banking, strategic advisory, and M&A work as Wasserstein Perella. When I entered government service six years ago I promised that I'd return to Chicago, and being able to work out of the firm's Chicago office is an added plus. Chicago is a great place to do business, and Wasserstein Perella, with its global franchise, offers me the opportunity to work with investors and clients here and around the world."

Mr. Emanuel, 39, served for the past two years as senior advisor to the President of the United States for policy and strategy and as executive assistant to the Chief of Staff in the White House. During President Clinton's first term Mr. Emanuel was director of senior projects, with specific responsibility for NAFTA, GAAT, welfare reform, and other economic and domestic policy initiatives. Previously Mr. Emanuel was a principal of The Research Group, a strategic advisory firm specializing in political campaigns. Mr. Emanuel received an MA from Northwestern University and a BA from Sarah Lawrence College.

Wasserstein Perella is a leading international investment bank that provides its clients with advisory services, equity and debt underwriting, merchant banking and other asset management services worldwide. Wasserstein Perella has offices in New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Dallas, Houston, London, Paris, Frankfurt and Tokyo.