Mr. Conte has more than 12 years experience in mergers and acquisitions, private equity, venture capital and other corporate finance transactions. Mr. Conte has broad industry experience in the business services, consumer, industrial products/manufacturing, natural resources/environment, and technology/telecom categories with particular expertise in the business consulting, business services, direct marketing, financial services, and marketing services industries.

Prior to joining Goldsmith Agio Helms (now Lazard Middle Market), he practiced law with O'Sullivan, Graev & Karabell, LLP in New York. Mr. Conte has advised leveraged buy-out funds, venture capital funds, large private corporations and other private equity investors in connection with a variety of mergers and acquisitions transactions, including leveraged buy-outs, management buy-outs, recapitalizations and dispositions. Mr. Conte has also represented clients in venture capital financings and private and public securities offerings. Previously, he practiced law with Rosenman & Colin, LLP, where he participated in numerous corporate finance transactions for public and private corporations, including mergers and acquisitions and public securities offerings. Prior to practicing law, Mr. Conte worked at Prudential-Bache Securities in New York as a professional in its mutual funds group.

Mr. Conte received his juris doctorate magna cum laude and Order of the Coif from Georgetown University and his bachelor of science degree in marketing from St. John's University. Mr. Conte is a member of the New York bar.