Ardian, thoughts?

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