Hi fellow monkeys,
Curious to get insights on Ardian's culture, comps and other general aspects, especially for the Infrastructure side.
Also, any ideas on the HH being used for them?
Thanks!
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Hey there, fellow finance aficionado!
Diving into the jungle of Ardian, it's quite the treasure trove. Ardian, previously known as the PE arm of AXA, is a colossal entity with a fund size that's hard to ignore - we're talking about a whopping $71BN! This isn't just any ordinary playground; it's a major league player in the private equity space. Whether it's considered a MM (middle market) or MF (mega fund), Ardian certainly plays in the big leagues given its substantial fund size and global footprint.
When it comes to culture and compensation, Ardian seems to be a place where the bananas are golden. The firm is known for having a solid group overall, engaging in direct investments, secondaries, and co-investments. They're not just passive investors; they're active GPs who really know their assets inside and out, adding significant value to their holdings. This proactive approach likely contributes to a dynamic and engaging work environment.
Compensation at Ardian is pretty good, reflecting its status in the industry. While specific numbers for the Infrastructure side aren't detailed here, Ardian's reputation for rewarding its employees well can give you a hint that they're competitive. For a more granular look, in September 2023, the total average compensation across various positions in private equity at Ardian was quite impressive, with roles ranging from Associate to Principal and Director/MD levels, showcasing a broad spectrum of rewarding opportunities.
As for the headhunters (HH) Ardian uses for recruitment, that's a bit of a mystery in this treasure hunt. Ardian's stature in the industry suggests they might work with top-tier recruitment firms, but specific names aren't mentioned here. It's always a good strategy to network and connect with industry insiders or keep an eye on professional platforms for opportunities at Ardian.
In summary, Ardian is a top shop, especially noted in France, offering a blend of competitive compensation, a solid and active investment approach, and a reputation that speaks volumes. If you're aiming to join the ranks of Ardian, especially on the Infrastructure side, you're looking at a firm that values deep industry knowledge and proactive asset management. Keep your networking game strong and maybe you'll find your way into this prestigious firm.
Hope this helps, and may your finance journey be as adventurous as a jungle expedition!
Sources: Ardian Private Equity (Previous PE ARM of AXA), Is this associate compensation competitive?, Opinion Waterland, Q&A: HF Analyst @ $5bn+ Fund - Breaking In and Transition to Risk-Taking Role, Overview of Infrastructure Private Equity
very prestigious job to have in Paris office - only hires from the Stanford / Harvard / Wharton French university equivalents. In the United States doesn't have the same brand value and there's currently a hiring freeze. Honestly, I would look at other MM/UMM infra funds. Pay is above street in Paris but below street in NYC. Not sure about London.
There are no Stanford / Wharton / Harvard French equivalent, stop drinking the Grande Ecole koolaid
What do you mean by this?
How do you know there is a hiring freeze in the US?
Buddy there is no such thing lmfao
Which office? Huge succession issue
I heard about this but only rumours. Do you have more insights?
FT has decent coverage as a starting point
I think they are great in France but in France only. very average compared to other MFs in other countries
Paris is very strong. London is meh, they also have only 6 people for buyout there (seems more like satellite office)
Thoughts about NYC Secondaries and Primaries team?
Wouldn't be able to tell you - I'm London based
I interned in that team - great seniors, hours can be demanding but Ardian offers awesome perks in NY!
Thanks. I was wondering about the London office actually. How are they resourcing deals?
Also, any idea who they are using for recruitment?
ARDIAN Germany here, definitely a prestigious place to work in the EU, can confirm that nobody in the US knows about it. Pay is indeed a little lower in NYC compared to our peers but top tier comp for European standards.
S&P platform is the largest in the world with a great TR and team, NYC team is top tier for that
Hi, can you please elaborate more on the primaries and secondaries team (especially in the German office?). How are the hours culture, and pay in Germany for that team? Would realld appreciate your input.
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Does everyone speak English or French in French office?
Desperate to move to France and spoke French for 12 years but would need a year or two to get back up to speed so if it's all in French I'm toast.
Hi - do you have experience in secondaries ?
I do - are you recruiting?
No - two years of large cap buyout at Associate level. If you're hiring in Paris, at post-MBA / VP / Senior ASO level, please let me know. Flexible on strategy.
Super French culture, majority of the people there are French or speak French. Also lacks brand value in the U.S. - overall would not recommend. Plus don't forget the succession issue, which is true.
One-Search HH
Those guys, again ...
I knew they had the relationship for the Clean Energy Fund but was hoping they were not covering the flagship infra fund.
I do not think Ardian is hiring in Europe though but seen other infra funds cutting costs i.e. EIP.
it is quite tough market
Pretty sure it’s CPI now
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