Lazard vs Moelis?
Now that the bulge brackets have all turned into commercial banks (LOL) middle market is the new bracket- Lazard vs Moelis?
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Lazard > Moelis
I am saying simply based on prestige.
Lazard
Lazard layoffs going on now
security: Moelis prestige: Lazard
if you are in a position to take either offer, i would highly suggest taking neither, and committing yourself to an industry that prizes fundamental value creation; honestly, finance is not the place to be right now, and won't be until the discipline is "figured out" (and this will take awhile); there is no prestige here to be spoken of
I have not heard of any layoffs. Lazard is making tons of money in restructuring with Lehman, Tribune, etc. Lazard is now the biggest securities firm regulated by the SEC.
Ya i've heard Lazard has had to turn away restructuring business they are so busy.
On my most recent knowledge, Lazard doesn't do layoffs so much as tell people that they should find something new by the end of the year.
THey are more prestigious than Moelis though, and nicer to you as well.
Lazard
Moelis has become a powerhouse... In 2-3 years it will be a monster... If you want a real aggresive Ibank environment, Moelis..
Lazard hands down - Moelis has a ways to go before they start competing with Lazard
Moelis > Lazard
Either? Both are good "M&A" names, but I would take Lazard for their vastly superior restructuring business.
Goldman Sachs PIA
Moelis > Lazard Raymond James > Goldman Sachs
Why do people care so much about prestige? There aren't that many people out there who give a damn about where you work as long as the firm is reasonably reputable. Between Moelis and Lazard, it's a question about "fit", not exit opportunity. Think about where you can perform better. Being a rockstar is way more important than working at, say, Goldman.
Laz
if you're looking to get into pe, you should stick with lazard. people here like to talk up moelis, but moelis is an unproven brand. there's no doubt that moelis is up and coming, but the question is how up it will get and how legit the analyst classes will actually be. from a track record standpoint, moelis analysts have nothing.
that said, if you're serious about pursuing a career in banking, you should focus on fit. at either bank, if you prove yourself and put in your dues, you'll get solid transaction experience and if you're good, you'll advance.
After what has been going on, almost nobody beats Lazard, top prestige.
Way more deals getting done, at least you're sure to be getting useful experience...
Both places will work you like crazy, but I'd take Lazard
The love of MoCo here by the college sophomores and wannabe's is hilarious. Nobody in their right mind should take Moelis over Lazard unless you are a masochist - then you'll fit right into the culture there. Lazard has great exit opp's, great deal flow, and is not a slave ship. The only think MoCo cares about is how much the top 3 guys end up making at the end of the year, there is absolutely no care/regard given to anyone below. It's quite the feudal system they have, and apparently the newbies on here just love jumping on that bandwagon.
I think the love for MoCo comes from the fact that rising that feudal ladder is a bit easier there than LAZ, EVR, GHL, and BB's.
Leggo, what makes you say that?
BTW: MoCo came for campus presentations and allowed some individuals to visit the office, so that's where I got my opinions (so may be skewed).
My buddy, who is going to be an SA in LA, got to meet Moelis and Navid personally. How many SAs do Dimon, Mack or Blankfien meet?
I think it's pretty cool. Definitely a more tight-knit culture, although it's understood that he'll get killed.
FT Decision: Moelis vs Lazard (Originally Posted: 08/24/2015)
Hey all,
Both for NYC. Moelis is M&A/RX generalist while Lazard places you into an industry M&A group or into RX. Year end bonuses are slightly higher at Moelis.
Which would you pick if looking at exit ops/bschool placement and why?
Thanks!
I cannot offer you any real advice since I only know people at one of those two, but congratulations on securing offers from both banks. Good luck.
Congrats on securing two great offers. Personally, I would pick the House of Lazard.
Both banks have reputations of chewing out their analysts. The Pros for Moelis is I think slightly better placement, less bureaucratic BS, pays a bit more, and it's still a growing firm. The Pros for Lazard is that it's focused on corporate advisory (Moelis does a bunch of sponsors stuff which sucks), and bigger deals.
Depends on what's important to you.
Although I don't disagree, Moelis' consistent sponsor work (sell-side M&A for sponsors is its bread and butter) is a major reason it places so well into PE. The MDs have great relationships with these funds and will refer you. Plus you develop your own relationships with the fund's professionals from working on these transactions.
I was at the same cross-roads as you before starting FT. I am happy to provide some insight to my thought process and decision. Can provide commentary on both shops, obviously a bit more at the one I decided on. Shoot me a PM if you are interested - I'd prefer not to go into greater detail in this thread. If not, I'll provide you some very vague sage-like advice. Depending on what truly interests you in banking, this decision is a no-brainer. While both of these shops come with the intense learning experience of being at an elite boutique, their business models vary significantly on a fundamental level that you will take notice to, even as an analyst.
Thanks for the tips! Is better placement for Moelis in terms of PE or HFs?
Redacted
Care to provide your own reasons behind the decision?
Congratulations, and thanks for the update on your decision! I hope you enjoy your experience there.
Redacted
was Lazard for new york or chicago? thnks and congrats
See OP.
Which one did you end up choosing?
SA at Lazard or Moelis? (Originally Posted: 12/09/2015)
Some discussion on FT here but given offers at these two what would you pick? Leaning toward Lazard but pretty conflicted.
Is this NYC? Substantial difference in platform size and age.
yup
I was deciding between these two (both in NY) and have friends working FT at both firms and happy to answer any specifics if you want to PM.
Having experience at one of the two firms, I would say go with culture and hours. Your experience will be very similar as far as quality of the dealflow, so go wherever you'll be happiest. Exit ops and business school opportunities will be similar.
Deal flow quality will definitely not be similar between the two. Lazard, particularly this year, has been on an absolute tear. They've been on almost all of the megadeals. That being said, there's a lot more to the choice than prestige. If you want to see your deals on the front page of the WSJ, go Lazard. Exit opps are comparable, but Lazard certainly has a slight edge. If you're set on M&A, there's no better place.
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