BEST Restructuring experience in London

Hello monkeys,

I wanted to get an impression on the best restructuring experience in London in terms of skill building and exit opps. I assume that specialist programs like Evercore/HL/RS prep analyst better for distressed roles than generalist places like PJT/Laz/Moelis, even though PJT is top notch in RX.

Another thing that caught my attention after a quick linkedin search is that the London offices of Oaktree and other loan to own / distressed for control places hire mostly from GS/MS and not candidates from restructuring backgrounds. Is this simply a statistical phenomenon since the analyst classes at these BB are larger or do GS/MS place better at a distressed PE than a RX guy from HL/Evercore?

Appreciate any replies!

34 Comments
 

I think that focusing solely on RX (vs. RX and M&A) does not necessarily prepare you better for destressed roles. As an investor, it is important to have a bigger picture mentality and while there are certain key skills / knowledge you must have of the distressed space, having M&A experience might also be valuable. While all the mentioned shops are great, I would personally opt to be a generalist across M&A and RX if given the option. Also, I believe Laz is not generalist.

 

There is no way to guarantee this. Trend seems to be that more and more people want RX experience as well. Plus, even incoming analysts don't even know their groups and rotations until day 1 of their job. Networking is a must if you want that placement but everyone will do the same. That's why if you want RX, it's best not to go to Lazard because there's no way to recruit in advanced for that. True generalist programs like PJT, Moelis, Greenhill are better since it's easier to network to get work being in the same pool.

 

Which of those generalist programs would you say are the best / get the best exits?

 

Rothschild probably top RX firm in London over the long-term.

RX experience not necessarily required for buy-side distressed roles. It's probably more valued at leaner shops though.

"The power of accurate observation is commonly called cynicism by those who have not got it." - George Bernard Shaw
 

1) PJT 2) Lazard, Moelis (great mixture of M&A and restructuring and generalist pools gets you to work in all industries) 3) Rothschild, Houlihan Lokey (represting mostly creditors which is less prestigious)

 

Roth at the bottom with Houlihan because creditor is less prestigious lmao?? And where is Evercore in this ranking?
 

please don’t listen to this ranking

 

Outsider question: how do the Big 4 compare for RX in London?

I'm sure it highly depends on what group you're in but they aren't too far down in the latest league table I've seen.

 

Deloitte really is top notch in restructuring. They used to compete with EBs, but nowadays they can’t compete with the EBs specialism. Deloitte usually takes 5-7 people each summer in RX. Then come PWC and KPMG, who are relatively good in RX. KPMG have recently launched a Special Situation M&A group, which should beef up their rx division. EY are generally quite poor for corporate finance.They have a very Lean team, of course this gives you great exposure, but this results in you often being in the office to 1/2am for pretty rubbish pay. If your willing to stick through it, you will be able to get a decent exit, but would choose any of the other big 4 firms instead. Ultimately, Big 4 Rx is a decent path to take, as you can do your ACA and shortly after qualification you can lateral to MM PE or an EB, who will appreciate your technical background. Lazard/Rothschild take 6 each from the big 4 every year. Greenhill usually take 2. Other firms are very receptive to big 4 Rx. You will come in at Analyst 3 or associate 1. This will almost quadruple your salary.

 

Praesentium tempora error quia eum vel aut. Facere exercitationem ut quasi est sunt.

Cumque neque est repudiandae id. Hic eos earum ipsum est. Quae incidunt dolorum et repudiandae neque.

 

Placeat nihil maiores blanditiis exercitationem quae. Perspiciatis qui architecto similique inventore et non praesentium. Et dolorem reiciendis quod illo. Laudantium sit voluptate consequatur reiciendis vero adipisci hic. Sunt ratione et omnis quisquam quaerat nam repudiandae. Dicta occaecati eos nemo assumenda quo dolores eum.

Placeat qui voluptas sunt quos. Omnis atque accusantium voluptatem qui in placeat. Expedita dolore rerum quis expedita iusto molestiae mollitia. Ut ex natus illum et sit. Qui reprehenderit minima numquam ipsam et. Ad iure quisquam quia. Rem porro cumque non eum ipsam.

Est consequatur error non deserunt eos. Sed odit sunt ducimus officiis veritatis non doloribus et. Sit molestiae velit eum quo. Minima eveniet vel architecto beatae. Placeat enim quibusdam id tempore perspiciatis. Facilis velit numquam et quam qui quidem cum. Porro ea veritatis nulla sunt.

Quo ex ea voluptatum. Ducimus porro sequi dolore eum non et. Quod aperiam quia sit blanditiis earum ut fuga.

Career Advancement Opportunities

June 2026 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 01 99.4%
  • Moelis & Company 01 98.8%
  • JPMorgan 01 98.2%
  • Guggenheim Partners 01 97.7%
  • Morgan Stanley 07 97.1%

Overall Employee Satisfaction

June 2026 Investment Banking

  • Moelis & Company No 99.4%
  • Morgan Stanley 01 98.8%
  • Evercore 01 98.2%
  • BMO Capital Markets 12 97.6%
  • Banco Santander 01 97.1%

Professional Growth Opportunities

June 2026 Investment Banking

  • Moelis & Company No 99.4%
  • Evercore No 98.8%
  • Morgan Stanley 05 98.2%
  • JPMorgan No 97.7%
  • BMO Capital Markets 12 97.1%

Total Avg Compensation

June 2026 Investment Banking

  • Vice President (14) $434
  • Associates (43) $259
  • 3rd+ Year Analyst (8) $210
  • 2nd Year Analyst (22) $179
  • Intern/Summer Associate (13) $156
  • 1st Year Analyst (75) $151
  • Intern/Summer Analyst (65) $101
notes
16 IB Interviews Notes

“... there’s no excuse to not take advantage of the resources out there available to you. Best value for your $ are the...”

Leaderboard

1
redever's picture
redever
99.2
2
kanon's picture
kanon
99.0
3
BankonBanking's picture
BankonBanking
99.0
4
Secyh62's picture
Secyh62
99.0
5
Betsy Massar's picture
Betsy Massar
98.9
6
dosk17's picture
dosk17
98.9
7
GameTheory's picture
GameTheory
98.9
8
CompBanker's picture
CompBanker
98.9
9
DrApeman's picture
DrApeman
98.9
10
bolo up's picture
bolo up
98.8
success
From 10 rejections to 1 dream investment banking internship

“... I believe it was the single biggest reason why I ended up with an offer...”