Have seen many opinions on WSO about the strength of BX M&A/its exit opps. But I also hear BX M&A dealflow has not been as strong as that of GS/MS. Do have a choice to make - would appreciate opinions.
Thanks!
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Other cons include smaller group, smaller class=smaller network, overshadowing, minimal exposure to other products
hmm I don't really agree. At BB's your class is really just the analysts in your industry group, which is about the same size or smaller than the analyst class at BX. No idea what you mean by overshadowing.
Cons in my opinion would be a lack of exposure to public markets (IPOs and other financing deals) and the lack of front page deals. Pros are, broadly speaking, better culture/hours, broad industry exposure, and of course, the blackstone name.
Double
The sound of "Blackstone" has a tendency to make people weak in the knees
Blackstone is full, so you are probably lying, unless you're doing accelerated for the summer. Either way, you should choose Blackstone. This is a dumb question. You have a guaranteed top-tier group in hand with great culture and comp. There's no reason at all to turn it down. Deal flow is fine relative to the size of the group. The analysts work plenty hard.
Does BX M&A even do accelerated summer recruiting this early/at all? I know a guy who did GS TMT/GS FIG/MS M&A as a sophomore (got a return offer for junior summer) and Blackstone wouldn't accelerate his interview process.
I agree, this is a dumb question. Why worry about dealflow when the exit opportunities are #1 on the street and comp/culture are phenomenal? If anything, you should be thankful dealflow isn't brutal...
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strong dealflow is a con in my book. it means worse hours and higher stress, and your pedigree and how you present yourself >>>>>>>>>>>> deal experience
Choose GS. I hear they have great work-life balance. Analysts don't have to work weekends (unless it's "critical client activity") and in lieu of 100+ page pitchbooks, they use "short outlines"!
In all seriousness, evaluate which team you like better, and if similar, I would lean Blackstone, followed closely by Goldman. Kind of really depends on what groups you are put into. Deal flow is indeed overrated to an extent because if you're interested in moving to the buyside, recruiting happens so fast that many people haven't even worked on anything live yet (or at least substantially). Therefore it's based on the reputation of your firm and how well you interview.
Is GS/MS generalist? Can't go wrong with Blackstone either way.
Blackstone, Morgan Stanley, or Goldman (Originally Posted: 02/05/2011)
would you go with BX restructuring, MS M&A, or Goldman san francisco? Both BX and MS would be in new york. I'd say BX restructuring because of the prestige and high level of responsibility SA's get, but most of the analysts I have spoken with have said to take MS M&A because restructuring activity is slowing down while M&A is picking up considerably. I've also heard that MS M&A would give me a broader range of exit opps. Thoughts?
Well, probably the convential answer would be MS because it has the prestige factor, like BX; but on top of that it's more structured being a BB.
But if you look on linkedin at BX non PE analysts you'll see that they get placed into incredible places. I'd go with RX BX.
Can I have one of your offers?
"I've also heard that MS M&A would give me a broader range of exit opps."
I have never read or heard otherwise. I would take MS M&A, personally
GS TMT in SF is on par with the other two in terms of prestige and exit opps... gotta go where you like the people. frankly if you're a top-rated analyst at any of those three you'll have your pick of buy-side shops.
give some extra thought to BX, not because of restructuring slowing down (distressed companies are still going to have to figure out what to do with all the debt they piled on in 06-08 that's coming due in 13-14) but because restructuring stereotypes you for distressed-debt/special situations exit opps.
Get any of the 3 offers first. (-_-)
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