What do you look for in a client in a sell side transaction

I was interviewing with a sell-side M&A shop and got asked the following question : "In a first call with a potential client what would you be looking for to decide whether you'll go forward with them/ what are some green flags they'll be interesting for investors". I talked about the 3 points below, what would you add to the list? 1. Management and their expectations. They should be reasonable and have valuation expectations we can defend 2. Motivation to sell, if they don't have a good motivation to sell (cashing out included) or to raise capital then it could be a red flag 3. Financials : Should be somewhat healthy or have a strong growth thesis, and the transaction should also be within the size the bank can execute and interest investors

5 Comments
 

How well they can compile an initial information request list for you in order to pitch them. If they struggle to get you info or flat out don't want to provide it, it's a red flag. On the flip side, if they have good internal controls, strong KPIs/data, and decent financial trends (not stepping on a falling knife), it becomes a strong prospect.

 

Quibusdam dignissimos debitis voluptatibus fugit omnis. Quia est porro nemo blanditiis mollitia quos recusandae. Vitae in ex quas rem dolor. Quia pariatur consequatur eius beatae optio tenetur quaerat.

Aliquid voluptatem perspiciatis iste excepturi hic aspernatur. Aut rem laborum modi omnis eum tempore. Corrupti animi dolorem delectus et iusto sed omnis earum. Enim officiis quod tempore in voluptas mollitia hic rem.

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 (29) $183
  • 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
BankonBanking's picture
BankonBanking
99.0
3
kanon's picture
kanon
99.0
4
Secyh62's picture
Secyh62
99.0
5
CompBanker's picture
CompBanker
98.9
6
DrApeman's picture
DrApeman
98.9
7
GameTheory's picture
GameTheory
98.9
8
Betsy Massar's picture
Betsy Massar
98.9
9
dosk17's picture
dosk17
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...”