A ternary lanthanum bromide La8Br7Ni4 was synthesized from La, LaBr3, and Ni under an Ar atmosphere at 830 degrees C. It crystallizes in space group C2/m (No. 12) with lattice constants a = 29.528(4) angstrom, b = 4.0249(6), c = 8.708(1) angstrom, and beta = 94.515(2)degrees. The structure features condensed Ni-centered La-6 trigonal prisms. The Ni atoms are bonded to each other to form ribbons of Ni hexagons. Band structure, bonding, and physical properties of the compound have been investigated.