Target wanted optionality, not a bid

Made an approach last year. Decent asset, but carried themselves like they were the best name in the space.

We kept it soft and didn’t come in too hot. Target said they weren’t “running a process.” Too busy growing.

Found a comp that actually wanted to get something done and closed. Clean process and great strategic fit.

Guess who calls when the announcement drops? Target. “Why didn’t you come to me first?”

Bro! I did. You wouldn’t even get an NDA going. You wanted to be pursued indefinitely with no commitment. Not “let’s revisit terms.” Not “we’re ready now.” Just wounded confusion that the market cleared without you.

Anyway, the comp is integrating beautifully. Target is still “focused on growth.”

How would you advise target if you were their banker?

4 Comments
 
Funniest

I don't like how this sounds a little bit too much like my dating life

 

I’d advise them to continue their organic growth (working out) and potentially consider inorganic growth (boob job). This should set them up for a massive exit to only fans capital partners.

 

Amet qui exercitationem nemo distinctio totam sint. Eveniet nam dolorum dolore explicabo. Quas sed voluptas esse numquam voluptas tempora. Maiores vel alias et voluptatem. Maxime sunt odio et omnis in sint.

Sed et vitae et placeat et odio dolores. Quia aut perspiciatis autem quis dolores. Adipisci culpa earum nesciunt commodi commodi.

Debitis quis recusandae laudantium optio quas. Fuga eaque aliquam facere non quisquam ut ea. Tempore rerum ipsam aut beatae a voluptas.

Et illum nemo cum dolorem non consequatur dolor iure. Aspernatur possimus sit atque temporibus accusamus alias. Ea culpa quidem rerum et expedita alias.

Career Advancement Opportunities

August 2026 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 01 99.4%
  • Moelis & Company 01 98.9%
  • JPMorgan 01 98.3%
  • Morgan Stanley 08 97.8%
  • Goldman Sachs 02 97.2%

Overall Employee Satisfaction

August 2026 Investment Banking

  • Moelis & Company No 99.4%
  • Evercore No 98.9%
  • Morgan Stanley 01 98.3%
  • Banco Santander 02 97.8%
  • BMO Capital Markets 12 97.2%

Professional Growth Opportunities

August 2026 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 01 99.4%
  • Moelis & Company 01 98.9%
  • Morgan Stanley 06 98.3%
  • Goldman Sachs 01 97.8%
  • JPMorgan 01 97.2%

Total Avg Compensation

August 2026 Investment Banking

  • Vice President (16) $429
  • Associates (47) $258
  • 3rd+ Year Analyst (8) $210
  • 2nd Year Analyst (25) $178
  • Intern/Summer Associate (14) $159
  • 1st Year Analyst (83) $151
  • Intern/Summer Analyst (74) $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
dosk17's picture
dosk17
98.9
6
CompBanker's picture
CompBanker
98.9
7
GameTheory's picture
GameTheory
98.9
8
DrApeman's picture
DrApeman
98.9
9
Betsy Massar's picture
Betsy Massar
98.9
10
Jamoldo's picture
Jamoldo
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...”