Firms as Soccer Team
BBs:
GS: Real Madrid - Golden benchmark for elite performance
MS: Barcelona - Quite often beats out Real Madrid, still somewhat lacks the pristine view of Real
JPM: Bayern Munich - Less flashy compared to Real Madrid or Barcelona, yet still delivers just as well, stable management that knows how to deliver (just as Dimon)
BofA: AC Milan - Storied legacy (Merrill Lynch), inconsistent current performance
Citi: Inter Milan - Often punches above its weight, lacks the prestige of some of the top names
Barclays: Chelsea - Past dominance (Lehman) overshadows present situation
UBS: Juventus - Illustrious past performance, uncertain present
EBs:
EVR: Manchester City - Consistent peak dominance, elite execution, talent concentration
CVP: PSG - Star power, gradually gaining traction and beating some of the old guards
PJT: Arsenal - Dominant arm (RSSG / Premier League (at least this season)), along with a slightly less consistent arm (M&A / Champions League) that is still a nightmare to deal with
LAZ: Manchester United - Great legacy brand, but slowly fading away in relevance
MOE: Atletico Madrid - Often comes as the underdog, yet is able to beat out superior teams with scrappy play
Based on the most helpful WSO content, here's a breakdown of investment banks compared to European football teams, reflecting their performance, legacy, and reputation:
Bulge Bracket Banks (BBs):
Goldman Sachs (GS) = Real Madrid
The ultimate benchmark for elite performance, prestige, and dominance. Known for consistently attracting top talent and delivering results.
Morgan Stanley (MS) = Barcelona
Often rivals Goldman Sachs, with moments of brilliance that surpass even the best. However, it still lacks the untouchable aura of GS.
JP Morgan (JPM) = Bayern Munich
A powerhouse with stable management and consistent delivery. Less flashy but just as effective, much like Dimon's leadership.
Bank of America (BofA) = AC Milan
A storied legacy (thanks to Merrill Lynch), but its current performance can be inconsistent, reflecting a mix of highs and lows.
Citi = Inter Milan
Known for punching above its weight and delivering solid results, but it lacks the prestige of the top-tier names.
Barclays = Chelsea
Once dominant (with Lehman Brothers as part of its history), but its current standing doesn't quite match its past glory.
UBS = Juventus
A historically strong player with an illustrious past, but its present performance is marked by uncertainty.
Elite Boutiques (EBs):
Evercore (EVR) = Manchester City
A dominant force in recent years, with elite execution and a concentration of top talent. Consistently at the top of its game.
Centerview Partners (CVP) = PSG
Star-studded and increasingly competitive, CVP is gradually challenging the old guard and making a name for itself.
PJT Partners (PJT) = Arsenal
A strong player with a dominant arm (RSSG akin to Arsenal's Premier League form) and a slightly less consistent arm (M&A akin to Arsenal's Champions League performance). Still a formidable competitor.
Lazard (LAZ) = Manchester United
A legacy brand with a rich history, but its relevance and dominance are slowly fading in the current landscape.
Moelis (MOE) = Atletico Madrid
The scrappy underdog that often outperforms bigger names through hard work and strategic execution.
This comparison highlights the unique strengths and challenges of each firm, much like the football teams they are likened to.
Sources: Investment Banks as European Football (Soccer) Teams, Investment Banks as Football Clubs, Sports Private Equity
How about Houlihan Lokey?
Inter Miami CF.. retired folks
x
Hala Madrid Y Nada Mas
Comparing Laz to Manchester United is criminal haha. I'd say Manchester United is more similar to UBS, used to be extremely dominant back in the day (the likes of Ken Moelis, Blair Effron and other top rainmakers hailing from the franchise), but is now a bit of a meme
So all they need to do is hire the right players, and they'll be right back atop the roost. UBS 2028 touse
Don't forget the fact that most people who leave UBS tend to do quite well and start successful firms, just like players leaving Utd
Both have all the gossip online
I don't want to sh*t on my favorite club but this is kinda true
Leo Messi 🐐
Deutsche: tottenham
Wtf is going on
Baird: Galatasaray
lol! Choked of laughter…
UBS - Oldham Athletic
lol
I’ve been using it to keep an eye on my team’s form, and the quick stats and player ratings make it way easier to follow matches without watching every minute. If you want the same kind of real-time tracking, you can get updates here and stay on top of scores faster than most broadcasts.
One of the greatest threads on WSO today
This one is great
Man United is more like WF. Still relevant and has surges but is still outside the elite class
nah, WF was never great though. Man Utd. is more like LAZ or UBS - Firms that were renonwned in the past but are a shell of their former self
Has Laz fallen off that badly?
Hello
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