Genstar vs MDP vs TH Lee

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All fantastic funds on par for most considerations (pay, prestige, b-school) to the point where location (SF vs Chi vs Bos) is a more important personal factor. Can't speak for culture though, hopefully someone with experience at one of these funds can comment.

personal preference: 1) MDP (most prestigious, B-school exits best, highest comp) 2) Genstar 3) TH lee

Can't go wrong with all 3, would choose based on culture.

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I'd prob pick TH Lee over Genstar, with geography being main deciding factor. Genstar has been consistently crushing it and has expanded like crazy but I don't see myself going to the West Coast. TH Lee has been around for ages and has been doing pretty well lately. I visited Boston several times while growing up and liked it and it's close enough to NYC (ideally wouldn't leave tho). From TH Lee's website, it looks like people focus on different sectors whereas with MDP and Genstar, it might be generalist. This might not be the case but it is not clear to me from their websites. Generalist PE initially appealed to me but after thinking about it some more, it kinda feels like it might be a hassle. It's going to be harder to master a particular sector if you're looking at 4-5 different sectors consistently (could also be cool to get broad exposure though idk). 

They're all established players and realistically speaking, I'd prob take an offer at any of the three

Have heard not so great things from MDP regarding culture (associates there are worked to the bone, no respect from seniors). Similar at THL, they have higher turnover of associates and are known to bid on everything (aka lots of diligence sprints that go nowhere). Both have great b-school exits though. Genstar people have seemed nice, worked with them on a few deals. Think you really can’t go wrong but would be careful on culture, especially at MDP and THL

Biggest thing is location. Culturally, MDP = buttoned up; THL = relaxed; Genstar = great w/l balance (heard they don’t really diligence that hard)

I'd pick Genstar based on their returns and trajectory but as everyone else said, pick based off location and fit. Out of curiosity, are you interviewing with any of these funds?

bump pls - need to make decision soon pls

Recent thread comparing three firms (although only TH Lee overlaps):

https://www.wallstreetoasis.com/forums/thoughts-on-mm-pe-firms-specific…

Could you shoot me a DM? Currently evaluating offer from one of the firms you listed

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