Consumer IB/PE

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:

1. 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.

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. 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.

5. Barclays: Barclays has a solid reputation in the C&R space, with good deal flow and exit opportunities.

6. 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.

7. 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.

8. 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.

9. 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:

• For bulge brackets, GS, MS, and BAML are the top choices for C&R.
• On the elite boutique side, Centerview and Evercore stand out.
• If you’re open to boutiques, Piper Sandler and North Point Advisors are worth considering for their specialized focus.

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