Harris Williams deal flow/reputation/exit opps

Have seen a lot of old posts about harris Williams but almost all are at least 6-7 years old. Was wondering if reputation is still the same/better/worse. How big are deal sizes, are the still among the top of the middle market, is placement still into mm pe still as good? Would I go wrong with taking HW over a jefferies/RBC/HL?

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Still top placement to MM PE given their role as an exclusively sell-side advisor. Other firms are catching up in the MM space but they're still top tier.

 
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I'm quite surprised that HW posts have been as infrequent as they have been in recent years compared to 5-10 years ago.

They are strong MM shop along with Baird and Blair. They are well known for their strong Analyst placement in MM PE shops and they have a solid deal flow.

Authored by: Certified Corporate Development Professional - Director
 

Strong brand and reputation overall for those 'in the know.' Great deal flow and predominantly sell side M&A. I would say it's up there with Baird/Blair though their work is perhaps a bit more narrow--I guess it would depend if you cared much about capital markets action.

Many older threads about strong MM PE placement from the analyst level and that they want you to leave basically. During recruiting they voiced that as a way to keep relationships with PE firms strong and boasted about placement.

Extremely anecdotal, but know of somebody who left at VP level who said he saw some cultural shifts once Chris Williams (co-founder) left a few years ago. Would be curious to hear if that sentiment is echoed or if his case was isolated.

 

extremely desirable PE placement, dealflow, and culture. basically the EB of MMs imo

 

Really strong MM player with great MM PE exits. As one person above mentioned, the MDs do really go to bat for the analysts from what I've heard. Deals generally range between 200mm - 700mm (for the Boston office at least), with the average deal sizes continuing to increase.

The other firms you mentioned (maybe apart from HL) would work on larger deals in general, and not always sell-side. Wouldn't say the experiences are comparable. If you are trying to exit to UMM PE and above I would suggest JEF, RBC, HL, but HW places incredibly well in MM PE.

 

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