11 Comments
 
Best Response

The thing is... Bear's always had a second-rate IB. It's strengths were clearly elsewhere. Firms such as MS and ML have top-IBs, so, despite heavy write-downs, I would expect certain divisions to stay strong. I don't see the same scenario with Bear. JPM might be able to use Bear's prime brokerage, but JPM IB is heads and shoulders above Bear... I would expect the caliber of candidates to differ also, and JPM doesn't really need to take on many junior bankers in these divisions.

I believe that the only reason that JPM took on Bear was to save the entire finance industry (including itself). If Bear went under, the counter-party to all the positions it held would be screwed, and every firm would essentially be decimated. The interconnectedness nature of the industry forced JPM to take on Bear, even though JPM really has little use for the small firm.

...That, and that Dimon has a huge ego and has been looking everywhere for an acquisition in the past few months. Probably to prove to the world that JPM emerged unscathed by the subprime, as no one (especially media) seems to give the firm very much credit, whilst everyone venerates GS's risk-management.

 

For $250M, they would be fools not to pick up Bear Stearns. Certainly after you get rid of all the trash there is profitability to be had. JPM will come out of this richer and with goodwill for having saved the industry.

 

i happen to be an adjunct career advisor at one of the top b-schools. i know that the head of career services has been in close contact with both Bear and JPM. as of yesterday, nothing with regards to FT or PT associate offers has been decided yet. i'm sure this is the same for analysts. until something becomes official, rumors are just rumors. you guys have to keep in mind that the fate of a few hundred incoming junior bankers is probably not exactly first thing on the list right now for Jamie Dimon. they might make an announcement soon but it might also take some time.

Author of www.IBankingFAQ.com
 

on jpms conference call, they mentioned multiple times that they liked bears equities business. if you were bringing in a lot of money for bear, youd probably be fine and offered a job in new york. either way, i dont really have any sympathy for senior mds. now youre not making 4 mil a year...big fucking deal. if you dont have enough savings to live comfortably from the past years (even accounting for the loss in value from bear stock), youre a total dumbass.

 

Suscipit dolorem ut voluptatem velit accusamus. Nemo iste nihil aperiam et eaque ratione. Recusandae quidem voluptatem dolorum dolor ipsum.

Best, SoulSearching

Career Advancement Opportunities

November 2026 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 01 99.5%
  • Moelis & Company 01 99.0%
  • JPMorgan 01 98.4%
  • Guggenheim Partners 02 97.9%
  • Morgan Stanley 06 97.4%

Overall Employee Satisfaction

November 2026 Investment Banking

  • Moelis & Company No 99.5%
  • Morgan Stanley 02 99.0%
  • Evercore 01 98.4%
  • Banco Santander 02 97.9%
  • BMO Capital Markets 13 97.4%

Professional Growth Opportunities

November 2026 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 01 99.5%
  • Moelis & Company 01 99.0%
  • Morgan Stanley 05 98.4%
  • Goldman Sachs 01 97.9%
  • JPMorgan No 97.4%

Total Avg Compensation

November 2026 Investment Banking

  • Vice President (16) $429
  • Associates (57) $264
  • 3rd+ Year Analyst (8) $210
  • 2nd Year Analyst (28) $184
  • Intern/Summer Associate (16) $161
  • 1st Year Analyst (84) $151
  • Intern/Summer Analyst (76) $101
notes
16 IB Interviews Notes

“... there’s no excuse to not take advantage of the resources out there available to you. Best value for your $ are the...”

Leaderboard

1
redever's picture
redever
99.2
2
kanon's picture
kanon
99.0
3
BankonBanking's picture
BankonBanking
99.0
4
Secyh62's picture
Secyh62
99.0
5
Betsy Massar's picture
Betsy Massar
98.9
6
dosk17's picture
dosk17
98.9
7
GameTheory's picture
GameTheory
98.9
8
DrApeman's picture
DrApeman
98.9
9
CompBanker's picture
CompBanker
98.9
10
numi's picture
numi
98.8
success
From 10 rejections to 1 dream investment banking internship

“... I believe it was the single biggest reason why I ended up with an offer...”