M&A Transition Question

Hi Monkeys,

I would like your insights regarding my opportunities:

Background: Finance/Accounting undergrad - Big 4 Audit in Western Canada - CA/CFA II Candidate.

Opportunities: M&A Advisory at our firm or boutique investment bank (M&A advisory only no underwriting).

Concerns: I am concerned mostly about deal flow, and will most likely choose the opportunity based on that criteria as I want to gain as much useful experience before applying for a top 10 MBA program. A secondary concern I have is branding; I am concerned that the boutique bank will not carry enough weight on my resume as compared with the Big 4 firm.

I am interested to hear your thoughts, thank you.

10 Comments
 

Assuming equal deal flow, which opportunity would be better to apply to top 10 MBA, or and PE firm? I assume the experience at the boutique will be more tailored and provide a diversity of deals (Big 4 M&A is usually sell side advisory). However, will the additional experience be enough to make up for the fact that is not a well known boutique; most MBA programs and PE firms are aware of Big 4 M&A advisory.

 

Actually, it is the opposite. Big 4 tends to do more capital raising, restructuring advisory, and quirky assignments. The boutiques generally are pure play sell side shops. And didn't you say above that the boutique was purely M&A?

Without knowing the group or at least the tier, it would be impossible to say which would be better. Boutiques could range from a two-man shop working like business brokers to sizeable shops that serve middle market (or larger) clients.

 

If any one else has some insight that would be greatly appreciated. I am also trying to find a resource which shows top banks in BC; does anyone have suggestions?

 

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