What are some of the underrated banks that don't get talked about?

WSO obsesses about the BBs and same boutiques like Lazard and Moelis over and over again. For the students that miss out on the top well-known banks, what are some strong MM or boutique shops which pay close to street and have solid exit opps that don't get mentioned much?

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While I agree Stifel/Stephens/RJ don't do too much, I think BMO has some pretty solid groups. I wouldn't group them with the previous 3. I would put Stifel above Stephens/RJ in terms of potential for further growth. They've bought some small players recently which I imagine has helped.

Dayman?
 

imo william blair is easily one of the most underrated shops simply because their CHI and to some extent SF group are their main ones, and they focus primarily on the MM space. Their analysts constantly place in solid MM PE shops and I've heard of a few UMM exits as well. I'd rather take them over some of the lower BBs (UBS/DB and RBC if u consider them close to a BB).

 

PJ Solomon are some of the nicest and smartest people I got the chance to meet during MBA recruiting. They pay street, are growing fast, and actually seem to care about their Analyst/Associate work-life balance.

I had to turn them down for my dream firm, but I would encourage anyone - especially if you aren't as concerned with PE - to give them a real look.

Plus their office is probably the nicest of any shop (55 and 6th with views of the entire park) - IMO better view than 200 Water or even 388 Greenwich (those Hudson views are hard to top).

Array
 

There is one bank I think is underrated:

  • Harris Williams is top-tier MM bank with what seems to be a great culture and plenty of work. 90+% of their work is sell-side M&A, and you'll hear that their MDs "go to bat" for their analysts. If you want PE you'll get placed.

And then a couple awesome banks that you won't see mentioned often on this website

  • Dyal & Co: 16 person shop started by former Goldman global M&A head. Worked on Bristol Myers Squibb-Celgene, as well as Novartis-Avexis, where they were Novartis' sole advisor. Also pretty active on some huge chemicals and industrials deals that I can't remember off the top of my head.

  • Robey Warshaw: Tiny London-based bank started by MS M&A head, UBS investment banking head, and MS Sponsors MD. Those three are the only partners, and they've hired a couple more people. 13 employees total taking up 20% of UK M&A market share means insane pay, but also an insane learning experience. Involved on Comcast-Sky, BT defense, etc.

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