What are the top shops in Chicago for 2024? I know Credit Suisse was highly regarded, but are there any places that make the list other than Greenhill, PWP, Goldman, Evercore, and Moelis? I know Guggenheim has shown tons of growth recently.
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porked question bud
Arguably none of the places you listed
Houlihan, Baird, Blair and Lincoln are strong — I heard Raymond James is out here, not sure what they cover, though.
Raymond James has their FIG group headquartered there, and then I believe also has a tech and industrials in that office as well. Tech is their strongest but the other groups have had good deal flow as well
RJ industrials has been killing it recently. Closing every deal and several $1B+ deals
Gugg, crushing it.
could you pls expand on why you think gugg chi is crushing it?
Cuz the intern read it somewhere on this app
Could you share why they aren’t doing good? Genuine question and want to see what their overall sentiment is as of late
How do BofA/Citi/Barc stack up?
Pretty much all shit. Juniors at Citi are chill though
Just curious -- are they shit for any particular reason (exits, deal flow, pay)? Or are they just mid all around?
As mentioned above, the middle market banks (Houlihan, Baird, Blair and Lincoln) have the biggest presence. All of those have a significantly larger and more active presence in Chicago than the ones you asked about (besides maybe Guggenheim). I know Citi used to have a fairly large Chicago office, but not sure how that has changed the last handful of years. Not sure about Credit Suisse. Below is some info on the ones you listed. Most are focused on industrials.
Citi Industrials in Chicago had an exodus to Jefferies about 1-2 years ago
I know Moelis Chicago is a healthy mix of FIG, C&R, and Industrials…Guggenheim‘s PEAG is also very strong in Chicago, doing mostly tech sell-sides. I think Gugg CHI would be a great place given that they’re HQ’d between there and NY. Also Goldman has FIG in Chicago too
There is also JPM M&A and DI
Worth mentioning that being in Chicago is a huge plus for RX. Massive RX professional hub to join and partake in events as well to network.
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That’s it lmao
RX community is more than the IBs - it’s lawyers, consultants, advisors, asset based lenders, alternative lenders, etc.
if looking for exit opps, Greenhill definitely has the strongest one as traditionally exits to UMM and MF like TPG, MDP, GTCR, etc
Not sure why I am getting downvoted, but you can search up on Linkedin and the exits will reveal themselves
They got bought out. Assuming that changes things?
How is BGL?
A sweaty bank with a pretty strong frat culture. If you're asking about BGL your options probably arent good, but I would still recommend looking elsewhere unless youve been laid off
I know a lot of folks who went to work there, but I have not heard many people speak highly of their time there
Edit: the amount of MS I receive directly correlates to the number of Analysts currently trapped at BGL
Lmao a VP from BGL came to my school for a presentation and told us he is “the best TMT banker in the world”
No exaggeration
BMO has a shiny new office
Can confirm. They’ve built a new office near Willis Tower, business is going solid for them. Have friends there who say their LevFin desk is on fire (in a good way), other coverage groups fairly busy as well. M&A not as busy due to rates.
Thoughts on Baird & Mesirow?
Don't know a whole lot about Mesirow but Baird is decent depending on the group.
Industrials is Baird's best group and routinely hits above their weight, consumer is a lifestyle group, and healthcare is not all that good from what I hear.
Can confirm that Baird’s industrials group is awesome in CHI. Great exits and comp is generous
Chicago Evercore is a really small group, around 15 employees total. Strictly do Paper and Packaging deals. Culture there is phenomenal however would definitely give them a look.
Houlihan Lokey food & beverage is probably still good, but you’ll get taken to the cleaners during your time there. Their healthcare services team is also a factory of PPM deals.
JPM, at least as of five years ago, had an industrials team with a good book of clients. Active around Detroit/automobile aftermarket
I know a guy in HL Chicago, Bonuses are apparently crazy and hours never top 70. Not sure how true this is but I would give it a look.
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