Lazard in Paris has swooped on the French government for a new partner, hiring Jean-Louis Girodolle, the French treasury deputy director in charge of transport, who handled the floats of Aéroports de Paris and last year's privatisation of three French motorways.

Girodolle's arrival at Lazard is the latest in a string of departures of ministerial advisers from government ahead of next May's presidential election. Those with financial experience are coveted by banks and investment companies for their governmental contacts.