MM IB Chicago Exits

I'm trying to get a better understanding of exit opps from MM firms in Chicago, particularly firms like WB, HL, Lincoln, Baird, Piper, etc. 

A few questions:

  • What are the most common exits for analysts at these firms?
  • How realistic is it to recruit for firms like GTCR / BDT MSD / MDP following an analyst stint in M&A/Coverage at one of the banks mentioned? 
  • Does the specific bank or industry group materially change exit opportunities (outside of the obvious like HL Rx)?
  • Any insight on recruiting timelines and how they differ across MM and UMM PE firms?

I'd especially love to hear from anyone who has worked at one of these firms or recruited from them in the last few years. Thanks. 

3 Comments
 

Definitely realistic to recruit for places like GTCR and MDP, have seen people from WB/HL go there for sure. It’s really up to you and how hard you grind during PE recruiting but if you put in the work it’s possible. People typically opt for smaller more middle market funds though. In any of the coverage groups you should do well, typically see HC/IND do the best though. Probably WB/HL/Baird are better than Lincoln or Piper in general. (At one of said banks)

 

What would “grinding” look like? Thought it was more of a head hunter driven process. Also, what’s timelines on this these days?

 

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