BAML LevFin/Financial Sponsors

Can anybody detail how these groups are set up? I know that BAML's LevFin is tops on the street, but what is their relationship with Financial Sponsors...does sponsors do all the modeling for LBO's or do they just originate and then pass modeling along to LevFin? Which group is the best to go into for PE as well? Thanks and feel free to PM with any information.

 
Best Response

BAML FSG and LevFin are definitely one of the best on the street. BUT, they are probably one of the most cut-throat groups out there for any summer analyst. For example, for BAML FSG placement day, they will give you a written test about LBO and stuff. In addition, I was at BAML LevFin last summer and they had 65% full time conversion for summer analysts and less than 40% conversion for summer associates. Go figure.

Because they are so cut-throat, their culture is subpar compared to BAML M&A, for example. However, being cut-throat does mean good PE placement. So it's really what you prefer better — culture or placement?

 

Thanks for the honest opinion-- wow I didn't know it was that competitive. So for FSG, you need to have a strong background in LBO and what not? I was hoping that FSG and Lev Fin might work out since I have a network there-- how does placement of M&A at BAML compared to FSG and Lev Fin? How many people are there in a class? Can I PM you?

 

I kind of want to bring back this post. I am an incoming summer analyst and was offered both the FSG and Lev Fin groups. Is there any real distinction between the two exit op wise? I had to re-rank groups the other day and put Lev Fin as #1 with FSG as #2. Did I go wrong in this ranking/should I put FSG as my first choice? I know the group is a lot smaller but I don't really know much about the difference between the two going to megafunds/PE shops.

 

Agree with this, would take Sponsors over lev fin in a heart beat if top PE exits are what you're after.

"You rarely have time for everything you want in this life, so you need to make choices. And hopefully your choices can come from a deep sense of who you are." - Mister Rogers
 

Yes- BAML and JPM are the best LevFin on the street. Going with LevFin would be my bet, but you need to see/talk with people and see how each group is different. Some banks have FS advise and LevFin is more debt capital markets, while some have LevFin doing a lot of the work. I have a friend who is interning with BAML LevFin and plans on going to PE in two years, PM if you have any specific questions, and I'll see if I can get some more insight.

"Greed, in all of its forms; greed for life, for money, for love, for knowledge has marked the upward surge of mankind. And greed, you mark my words, will not only save Teldar Paper, but that other malfunctioning corporation called the USA."
 

Any particular reason macro?

I need to choose between Baml Lev fin and Baml investment grade debt for my SA. I do not care about future exit opps, maybe FT conversion rate but thats it.

 

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