Houlihan Lokey, Inc. is an independent global investment bank founded in 1972 in Los Angeles by Richard Houlihan and O. Kit Lokey. Originally focused on providing valuation services to privately held businesses, the firm gradually expanded its offerings to become a full-service advisory platform. Over the decades, it has developed a reputation for high-quality financial advisory services, particularly in complex financial matters.
The company specializes in four key areas: mergers and acquisitions (M&A), financial restructuring, capital markets advisory, and valuation services. Houlihan Lokey is particularly well known for its expertise in financial restructuring, having advised on many of the most significant corporate restructurings worldwide. Its valuation practice is also one of the largest globally, frequently engaged to deliver fairness and solvency opinions in major transactions.
Houlihan Lokey has distinguished itself through its focus on middle-market clients and its consistent deal volume, especially in the United States and Europe. It is known for maintaining a counter-cyclical business model, which enables the firm to remain active and profitable during both economic expansions and downturns. The company has also become a go-to advisor for fairness opinions, maintaining a leading position in this space for decades.
The firm continues to grow through both organic expansion and strategic acquisitions aimed at strengthening its presence in specialized advisory sectors and new geographic regions. Houlihan Lokey’s long-term strategy includes deepening its global reach and enhancing its sector-specific expertise, positioning itself as a trusted partner in high-stakes transactions for businesses worldwide.