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!

 
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

 

At the associate level, email deal team 1 saying I'm busy with deal team 2's project and can't help. Email deal team 2 and say they're busy with deal team 3's project. Email deal team 3 and say they're busy with deal team 1's project. 

And then sit in their basement playing world of warcraft and drinking mountain dew. Good gig in the short term. Not so great long-term. 

 

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