Consumer IB/PE
Interested in going into consumer/retail PE down the line...what are the best C&R IB groups across the BBs? Both in terms of exit opps and deal flow / exposure
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For those aiming to transition into consumer/retail private equity, here’s a breakdown of the best Consumer & Retail (C&R) investment banking groups across bulge brackets (BBs) based on deal flow, exposure, and exit opportunities:
Goldman Sachs (GS): Known for its strong presence in Consumer & Retail, GS consistently ranks highly in this space. Their C&R group is well-regarded for both deal flow and prestige, making it a top choice for exits into consumer-focused PE.
Morgan Stanley (MS): Another standout in the C&R space, MS has a strong reputation for M&A and consumer-related transactions. Their group offers excellent exposure to high-profile deals, which is valuable for PE exits.
Bank of America Merrill Lynch (BAML): BAML is frequently involved in major IPOs and M&A deals in the consumer/retail sector. Their strong deal flow and exposure make them a solid choice for those targeting consumer-focused PE.
JPMorgan (JPM): While JPM is more renowned for TMT and LevFin, their C&R group is still strong and offers good exposure to deals, particularly in retail.
Barclays: Barclays has a solid reputation in the C&R space, with good deal flow and exit opportunities.
Evercore (EVR): On the elite boutique side, Evercore is highly regarded for its M&A work in the consumer/retail sector. Their focus on high-profile transactions makes them a strong contender for exits into consumer PE.
Centerview Partners: Known for dominating mega M&A deals in the consumer/retail space, Centerview is an excellent choice for those targeting top-tier consumer-focused PE firms.
Piper Sandler: While not a BB, Piper Sandler has a strong niche in fitness banking (e.g., Orangetheory) and consumer products, making it a notable player in the C&R space.
North Point Advisors: A boutique with a strong reputation in consumer/retail M&A. They’ve been known to beat out BBs on deals, which speaks to their expertise and deal flow.
Key Takeaways:
These groups provide the deal flow, exposure, and prestige necessary to position yourself for consumer/retail private equity opportunities.
Sources: Consumer/Retail Group Rankings, Official Investment Banking Rankings: Boutique and Bulge Bracket Prestige, Top IBD Groups / Firms 2020 (Exits), Top Investment Banks in each industry 2018, David and Goliath: The Boutique and The Bulge Bracket
CVP MS GS EVR JPM
JPM over BofA? (just looking at list above)
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