What do M&A group bankers actually do?

Hey guys,

Been trying to get a complete, comprehensive understanding of what M&A bankers do, but have not been able to get a clear, straightforward answer that I can easily understand. I've gathered that the job is very technical / modelling focused and that M&A bankers cover multiple sectors, but I'm still not sure how the M&A group interacts with sector coverage groups, as well as where it slots into the deal process. Is it more a support role for industry coverage groups, doing the modelling work while the coverage group does the deck and process management?

Thanks!

8 Comments
 

Advise companies on the purchase of a target company listed for sale. They create information memorandums, run data rooms, provide teasers and do the grunt work of valuation/spreading comps along with business/financial due diligence while the VPs and Directors drink wine and leave office at 4:20pm to blaze it in the Porsche Cayenne GTS Turbo

 

Thanks for the response - so how does this differ from an industry coverage group? And if both the M&A group and a coverage group are on a deal, how are the responsibilities split up?

 
Most Helpful

In investment banking, both coverage analysts and M&A analysts play distinct yet interconnected roles.

Coverage Analyst:
1. Client Relationship Management: Build and maintain relationships with clients, often institutional investors or companies within a specific industry.
2. Market Analysis: Conduct in-depth research on industry trends, market conditions, and specific companies to provide valuable insights to clients.
3. Equity Research: Analyze financial statements, earnings reports, and other data to formulate investment recommendations on stocks within the designated sector.
4. Client Advisory: Provide clients with investment advice and recommendations based on the analysis of the sector and specific companies.

M&A Analyst:
1. Deal Origination: Identify potential merger or acquisition opportunities that align with the strategic goals of clients.
2. Financial Modeling: Create complex financial models to evaluate the potential impact of a transaction, including valuation, accretion/dilution analysis, and scenario modeling.
3. Due Diligence: Conduct thorough due diligence on target companies, assessing their financial health, liabilities, and potential risks.
4. Deal Structuring: Work on the structuring of deals, including negotiating terms and conditions to achieve the best outcome for the client.
5. Transaction Execution: Collaborate with various teams to facilitate the smooth execution of transactions, ensuring regulatory compliance and coordinating the closing process.

In summary, while coverage analysts focus on building client relationships and providing sector-specific insights, M&A analysts are involved in the strategic and financial aspects of mergers and acquisitions, from deal origination to execution. The two roles complement each other in the broader scope of investment banking services.

So in essence, M&A analysts are more important than coverage and also smarter

 

Assumenda ratione quis dolore veritatis consectetur autem omnis nihil. Doloremque deserunt veritatis tenetur excepturi ut illo voluptatum. Quidem animi amet in in aut nesciunt. Voluptatem reiciendis unde iusto hic eius. Voluptatibus ut quia rerum earum excepturi quod.

 

Eveniet voluptatem sint sunt autem fuga. Qui nihil odit cumque recusandae corrupti aspernatur molestiae. Ullam error fugiat fugit doloribus dolorem.

Optio vitae error excepturi occaecati non. Voluptates deserunt est quia nulla excepturi occaecati eos. Tempora magni dolores molestias voluptatem sunt quas. Cumque ipsum ut ipsam magni est consequatur veniam nobis.

[Comment removed by mod team]

Career Advancement Opportunities

September 2026 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 01 99.5%
  • Moelis & Company 01 98.9%
  • JPMorgan 01 98.4%
  • Goldman Sachs 01 97.9%
  • Morgan Stanley 07 97.3%

Overall Employee Satisfaction

September 2026 Investment Banking

  • Moelis & Company No 99.5%
  • Morgan Stanley 03 98.9%
  • Evercore 01 98.4%
  • Banco Santander 02 97.9%
  • BMO Capital Markets 12 97.3%

Professional Growth Opportunities

September 2026 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 01 99.5%
  • Moelis & Company 01 98.9%
  • Morgan Stanley 07 98.4%
  • Goldman Sachs 01 97.9%
  • JPMorgan No 97.3%

Total Avg Compensation

September 2026 Investment Banking

  • Vice President (16) $429
  • Associates (51) $260
  • 3rd+ Year Analyst (8) $210
  • 2nd Year Analyst (26) $182
  • Intern/Summer Associate (15) $159
  • 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
DrApeman's picture
DrApeman
98.9
8
CompBanker's picture
CompBanker
98.9
9
GameTheory's picture
GameTheory
98.9
10
bolo up's picture
bolo up
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...”