What do you really do in Investment Banking?

I'm curious.. I understand the broad overview of investment banking (e.g. M&A, Capital raising, etc.), but what do all of you do exactly (down to the usage of the specific databases)?

From what I have gathered so far: Stage 1) VP & above will network with clients. Deal process starts when client wishes to buy/sell, or when VP/etc sees an opportunity for client to buy/sell. Stage 2) The deal will be passed on to the analysts to create the pitchbook. The analyst opens up a standard template and start filling in the information. ...............(A) Credentials: Based on bank's success records, completed transactions, etc. ...............(B) Economic/Industry research: Euromonitor, Google ...............(C) Client Company's Financials: Capital IQ, Annual Report, Bloomberg ...............(D) Valuation: Comparables/Precedent - Capital IQ, Bloomberg ...............(D) DCF financial model: To show the valuation of the company, or the impact of the transaction ...............(E) Potential Buyers/Sellers: Merger Market, Thomson Reuters, Bloomberg, Capital IQ ...............(F) Review, Review & Review: Ensure perfect formatting, No mistakes, etc. Stage 3) Mandated Stage 4) Create a teaser to be sent out to the potential buyers (for sell side). Stage 5) If potential buyers is interested, sign NDA. Thereafter, the link to the dataroom will be sent to the interested potential buyers. Stage 6) Obtain preliminary bidding. Stage 7) Filter out buyers and narrow down to the final few competitive bidders. Stage 8) Create competitive tension, and eventually select the best bidder. Stage 9) Tax accountants and M&A Lawyers will then draft contracts to finalize terms. Stage 10) Company sold. Process moves on to implementation/integration.

Not sure if the above is accurate. I will really appreciate all replies. I'm especially interested in the research databases that all of you use, as well as the technical skills that are involved. Thanks!

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