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Pretty strong MM bank, particularly in the midwest. Gets a lot of deal mandates. Can't comment on how many they close though or where they rank in the league tables.
Bump
Generally considered to be a top tier MM group in the Midwest
Yes. It is right up there with Blair at the top of the MM. Chicago tends to place a bit better into PE (networking will help since you are right there), but Milwaukee is still strong. Coverage groups are separated by office.
I've always viewed it as Blair's little brother. More on par with Lincoln International. Buy, hey, I've been wrong before, I'm unfamiliar with MM banking, and I bank in New York so my perception could be skewed.
Thanks for the responses
Thanks for the responses
Based on what I've seen in terms of MM deal flow / closed deals the last couple years, I'd put Baird on par with Blair, Harris Williams, and Houlihan Lokey. Better than Lincoln and Piper Jaffray.
Interesting. Thought Lincoln and Piper were on the upswing the past year or two.
William Blair & RW Baird Chicago (Originally Posted: 12/09/2014)
Any insight regarding differences/similarities between the two (comp, work/life, culture, outlook, etc)? It's my understanding they are very similar, but Baird has seen more success in recent years. Thanks in advance.
From what I've heard recently... Baird has higher comp, protected weekends, and better exits. Always thought Blair was the clear winner until recently.
Thanks @"BTbanker". That's the impression I've gathered as well. Not sure if this is a permanent shift or Blair will return to form.
Baird executes M&A within industry groups, correct?
I'm not sure how much of a difference it makes, but Baird is headquartered in Milwaukee while Blair is in Chicago.
Any recent info on Baird (Chicago)? (Originally Posted: 11/11/2014)
I've tried utilizing the search function for recent discussion, however it seems as though results are coming up a bit on the dated side.
Can anyone provide some advice on the general strength of the firm in Chicago, culture, hours & pay, and any other relevant points?
Any information would be appreciated.
Thank You
Last I heard they now have protected Saturdays and 85k base. Not sure about bonuses.
Lot of deal flow but typical IB hours that you'd have at a BB bank
general strength of the firm in Chicago: Growing presence with a particular strength in Consumer and Industrials. Overall a very solid MM bank, on par in my opinion with HLHZ, Blair, etc.
culture: from what I hear, everyone I know likes it there. Good exposure to the deal making process, client interaction regularly as an analyst, upper levels (VP's, MD) are very willing to help and also support the move to the buy side if you're a solid analyst
hours & pay: they tend to get worked pretty hard, similar to that of a BB (80-90 a week, sometimes more sometimes less) and pay was raised, following suite with BB's, to 85k. bonuses undetermined. Saturdays protected now unless written exemption from MD's, which doesn't happen often I hear
and any other relevant points? overall a very solid shop, great place to be in the MM, and has relatively strong exit opps. From what i've see, MM PE placement, top business schools, or corp dev.
Another cool point is it's a privately owned bank who allow stock options for employees after 3 years, which is pretty tight in my opinion, because the employees who are shareholders are truly invested and care about the work they do.
Thanks!
Baird Office Washington, DC (Originally Posted: 02/10/2016)
I saw a job listing for an experienced analyst role within the FIG/ Real Estate group at Baird in DC. Does anyone know much about the group there. I'd be curious to hear anything in regards to the interview process, group culture, deal flow. etc. Thanks.
Anyone?
got rejected from them today
Bump
Robert Baird SF (Originally Posted: 12/02/2014)
Anybody have any info on the culture of the office? What the recruiting process is like? What to expect from first round? Seems to be limited info out there
I am not sure about the San Fransisco office. However, I do know that Baird headquarters (Milwaukee) places a huge stress on culture. For the most part they have a no asshole policy and try to stay true to Midwestern roots. San Fran could differ just due to differences in West Coast culture.
First round normally consists of a behavioral interview where they evaluate fit. They will also require you to take an analytical test online along with a written exam. The written exam is just writing an essay in 30 minutes based on a given prompt.
In interviews make sure to mention the fact that they are employee owned and are consistently rated a top place to work.
Yeah sort of what Rags to Hermes said but they sort of view themselves as more ethical than other bulge bracket banks. A bit arrogant in that manor.
RW Baird Banking (Originally Posted: 06/25/2008)
What does everyone thing of RW Baird investment banking?
A buddy of mine is an analyst for Baird in Chicago. Reputable shop, they have steady deal flow in the middle market. I haven't heard him say anything negative about his experience, and he has solid exit opportunities.
I was an Intern there this past winter and am going back FT in 2009. PM me if you have any questions, im glad to answer anything.
I was an Intern there this past winter and am going back FT in 2009. PM me if you have any questions, im glad to answer anything.
They're pretty well-respected in the middle market, but I recently looked at a Baird deal where the model was not inspiring. We're talking about mistakes in links that create inconsistent numbers from tab to tab, sloppy formatting, and so forth -- basically copious bad data. Maybe it was just the "B-team" that was working on this, but the mistakes were so egregious they were almost laughable. The company that's looking to get sold can't be pleased (assuming they ever found out). Anyway, I can't judge how they run their processes based on the one and only deal that I've seen, but all I can say is that someone needs to bring the "A-team" back.
Baird Chicago/Milwaukee Reputation, Deal Flow (Originally Posted: 07/12/2009)
I have an interview tomorrow with Baird for either office and wanted to know how the group is faring in this environment, deal flow and reputation among middle market banks? Do they focus primarily on deals in the midwest given their location?
What makes it an attractive place to work, if any?
Any comments are greatly appreciated.
they are top notch in the MM.
btw, banks are interviewing already????
That is a great firm, they compensate well.
And no, they don't focus only on the midwest, they do deals all over the world. They just like the midwest culture in their workplace.
Not sure about current dealflow.
Which group is considered stronger at the bank and does anyone know the size of the teams in each respective area? Any info about the culture and senior guys is appreciated as well.
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