I've read on here that Harris Williams & Co. is a top tier mid-market player and is highly thought of by mid-market Private Equity shops.
From this, is it fair to infer that Analysts are placed well into Private Equity, or is it simply the case that Private Equity shops rate their capabilities highly?
My concern is that Harris Williams & Co. seem to be completely focused on the sell-side...
Would a sell-side-centric role provide adequate training for PE? Would it be competitive against guys with a more holistic background?
I can only speak to the MM PE world, however, HW is highly respected by MM PE shops from what I can tell -- I worked at one for about 8 months during school and over the summer. After speaking with a VP at HW, he did bring up the placement point saying it was a two way street for the PE shops and HW in that they are happy to pass on good analyst to PE shops looking for associates, as PE shops are their clients they have an incentive to help them any way they can. They are mostly sell side M&A which is very desirable to a MM PE shop, knowing how to run a deal from sourcing through modeling, writing memorandums and closing. I actually told someone at MS that I was interested in sell side M&A -- he said I should work at HW! People who know respect the shit out of this firm. Obviously mega funds are probably not at option out of here, however, in the 500M to 1BN range, it is highly respected.
Analyst from HW&C place very well in MM PE. Chances are you won't get many looks if you are applying to mega funds. They are well represented all across MM PE funds so I think it is safe to assume that it prepares you well for the buyside (the skill are virtually the same).
Are you looking to switch from PE to IB?
Regards
No. I'm an Undergrad with my heart set on PE - trying to find the path of least resistance.
Thanks BBA.
Is it fair to assume that, if a MM Bank is respected by PE Firms, it is easy for an Analyst to transition into one? (I know that this is certainly not the only criteria).
I'm concerned that even though a PE shop may hold the capabilities of the firm in high regard, does working solely on the sell-side prepare you well for PE? Would a candidate be as competitive as a guy with buy- and sell-side experience and exposure?
Clarkey - I'm changing your user type to "Prospective Monkey".
Harris Williams is very well respected and places very well into MM PE. Their sell side only focus is exactly the reason they place so well. PE firms are looking for analysts that know how to do M&A deals, and that's what HW analysts do all day long. An analyst at a MM M&A shop (like HW, Edgeview, McColl, etc) is intimately familiar with the documents used in a sale process, the general concerns of an acquirer, etc. These firms also have great relationships with PE firms, so when it comes time for recruiting, you get personal recommendations and can sometimes even bypass the broad hiring process.
i heard they GO TO BAT FOR THEIR ANLYS.ts
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