Big 4 FDD -> IB/PE pipeline (UK)

For someone starting out in a grad scheme at a Big 4 in Financial Due Diligence (FDD), what is the pathway to lateraling into IB or PE?

When is the earliest that these moves can/do typically take place (ie. 1y, 2y etc)?

To which firms is this move most common and well-trotted (ie. is it only LMM IB & maybe LMM PE, or do people get successful looks to larger PE platforms in the MM/UMM space and/or larger MM/EB IB shops)?

Would you recommend doing B4 FDD as a new grad vs, say, an analyst position at a realllly small boutique sell side advisory shop (think 3-4 ppl), if my goal is eventually PE?

Goal is PE, but wouldn’t mind banking.

Thanks

6 Comments
 

My 2 cents - I think this is a well trodden path - Big 4 FDD to LMMPE (I’m ex b4 M&A advisory). You should Use LinkedIn search and filter to find people who have done this

I’ve seen lots of FDD guys go over there and they’re smashing it because FDD skills are more relevant in ensuring your fund ‘makes the right investment’. I’ve been on deal calls with ex FDD guys who are now in PE funds and those guys are thorough AF and very well suited to the job. I hate being counterparty to them

M&A lead advisory on the other hand will provide you with more valuation, project management, negotiation and deal structuring skills necessary However the later two skills will come as you gain experience in a PE fund

 

Makes sense, the FDD to PE step seems so logical from that perspective, just curious how often that recruitment actually happens & takes place. Like is it that if I spend 1-2y in FDD B4 i’m being targeted by LMM PE firms or is it that it’s still a shot in the dark

 
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