Lazard's long-standing connections with publishing giant Pearson have helped the bank win the sale mandate for FT Business, Pearson's UK financial publishing unit, which could lead to a management buy-out.

Pearson said in a statement earlier this week that it had &quotreceived several expressions of interest in FT Business, its specialist UK financial publisher, and has appointed Lazard to advise on strategic options in relation to the business.&quot