Houlihan Lokey Bolsters Consumer Health Expertise with Strategic Hire

Houlihan Lokey, a leading global investment bank, has strengthened its Consumer Group by appointing Riccardo Cazzoli as a Managing Director, focusing on the firm's consumer health efforts. Based in New York, Cazzoli brings extensive experience in consumer healthcare M&A and financing transactions, having previously led the Consumer Healthcare practice at Lincoln International. His appointment aligns with Houlihan Lokey's strategy to deliver the deepest and best sector expertise to its clients.



Cazzoli's expertise spans the OTC, VMS, medical nutrition, and personal care sectors, making him an invaluable addition to Houlihan Lokey's Consumer Group. With nearly 130 financial professionals worldwide, the group has earned a global reputation for providing superior service and achieving outstanding results in M&A advisory, capital-raising, restructuring, and financial and valuation advisory services. In 2023, Houlihan Lokey was ranked as the No. 1 investment bank for global consumer transactions under $1 billion, with 50 deals, according to LSEG (formerly Refinitiv).



Cazzoli's hire comes at a time when the consumer health sector is experiencing increased M&A activity, driven by changing consumer preferences and health awareness post-pandemic. The sector's resilience during economic downturns, coupled with aging demographics and increased health consciousness, makes it an attractive area for investment banking services. Cazzoli's specialized experience in consumer health M&A, particularly in OTC, VMS, and medical nutrition sectors, positions him to help Houlihan Lokey capture more deals in this high-growth, recession-resistant subsector.

Moreover, Cazzoli's cross-sector expertise in consumer goods and healthcare can benefit Houlihan Lokey's clients by better serving clients at the intersection of these markets, identifying strategic opportunities, navigating regulatory and market dynamics, and enhancing deal-making capabilities. His appointment is a strategic move by Houlihan Lokey to strengthen its consumer health coverage capabilities and maintain its competitive edge in the global investment banking landscape.

In conclusion, Houlihan Lokey's appointment of Riccardo Cazzoli as a Managing Director in its Consumer Group is a strategic enhancement of the firm's consumer health capabilities. Cazzoli's extensive experience in consumer healthcare M&A, coupled with his cross-sector expertise, will enable Houlihan Lokey to better serve its clients and capture more deals in the high-growth, recession-resistant consumer health sector. As the consumer health sector continues to evolve, Houlihan Lokey's targeted expansion in this space through Cazzoli's hire indicates its commitment to capturing more market share in this lucrative segment.