Jefferies hires Lazard's Thomas for activism defense, sources say

By Svea Herbst-Bayliss

NEW YORK, June 4 (Reuters) - Jefferies JEF.N has hired a veteran Lazard banker as global head of the firm's activism defense practice, people familiar with the situation said on Wednesday, as more corporations face pressure from activist investors.

The New York-headquartered bank is bringing on Richard Thomas, a managing director who has served as co-head of Lazard's Equity Advisory practice, the people said.

Thomas will replace Chris Young, who had been the head of activism at Jefferies and is leaving the bank.