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I assume both are for Chicago?

I might actually lean towards Lincoln International, depending on your goals. Lincoln is a solid shop in Chicago and will have a larger analyst class, which will make your life more bearable (trust me, makes a bigger difference than you might think) plus there will be a few more social events. Since it has a larger presence in Chicago, they may even have better exits to local PE shops (excluding MDP, GTCR, etc.).

In terms of deals, I'm sure it'll probably be pretty comparable. The Lazard MM name is perceived differently than the larger Lazard name, so won't really help in terms of exits, nor is it likely you'll be able to transition between the two easily, if that might be something you're thinking of down the road. If your offer is for Lazard MM in Minneapolis, then I think it comes down to a geographic decision.

Either way, I think they're pretty comparable, but like I said, Lincoln has better name in Chicago, but if you want to leave Chicago, Lazard MM might be more well-known.

Looking at your username just now though makes me believe you might be looking for associate level advice? I don't have as much insight there, but can say that Lincoln is pretty friendly towards "career" type bankers and prefers to promote from within. So if you're looking to be an associate and move upward, probably not a bad place to look.

 

Very difficult choice, both are very reputable players in the mid-market space. I've seen a ton of high quality deals from Lincoln's Chicago office, so I suspect that deal flow is quite solid. Lazard MM is also a dominant player though, even if they are known in the industry as very separate from Lazard Freres. I'd go with the one where you like the people better or you have the most certainty of your group placement.

CompBanker’s Career Guidance Services: https://www.rossettiadvisors.com/
 

I worked at Lincoln in London :D Im shocked to hear that people have heard of it... whenever I go to interviews people are like 'whats that'. lol

 

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