Is it very standard for European firms to have crazy perks and benefits for even their NA offices?
I’ve anecdotally heard a couple EU PE firms giving NYC associates 30 calendar days PTO, 7-9% 401k match, not to mention multiple European offsites + training in EU. Is this the norm for most EU PE firms in the US?
| +60 | Working on Juneteenth | 35 | 13h |
| +24 | From Public Equities to Private Equities | 4 | 5d |
| +22 | Hardest time I have ever seen to be a GP | 3 | 1d |
| +19 | How to Get on Career Track / Stay Post ASO years | 6 | 18m |
| +18 | Weighing exit from LMM PC/PE | 3 | 14m |
| Search Fund Internship Vs. Internship at my family's Family Office | 10 | 1d | |
| +15 | Healthcare PE | 6 | 1d |
| +15 | KKR comp for Principal | 11 | 27m |
| +15 | Anyone have intel on Aterian Investment Partners? Culture, Comp, Performance? | 9 | 4d |
| +12 | LMM groups within larger platforms? | 1 | 5d |
Career Resources
Get instant access to lessons taught by experienced private equity pros and bulge bracket investment bankers including financial statement modeling, DCF, M&A, LBO, Comps and Excel Modeling.
Based on the most helpful WSO content, European PE firms are known for offering attractive perks and benefits, even in their North American offices. While specifics can vary by firm, it's not uncommon for European PE firms to provide:
Generous PTO: Anecdotal evidence suggests that some European PE firms offer NYC associates up to 30 calendar days of paid time off, which is significantly higher than the U.S. standard.
401(k) Match: A 7-9% 401(k) match has been mentioned as a benefit provided by certain firms, which is quite competitive.
European Offsites and Training: Many European PE firms emphasize cross-border collaboration and training, often hosting associates at European offsites or providing training programs in Europe.
While these perks are attractive, they may not be universal across all European PE firms operating in the U.S. The extent of these benefits often depends on the firm's culture, size, and specific policies.
Sources: Working for European PE as an American, Best Perks & Benefits?, Q&A: European PE professional at a Large-cap Megafund, PE Funds in Europe / Recommendations / Associate Level, PE Ranking - Europe
Formerly at a European PE house with a couple of US offices. The 30 days off is a real thing because that's what we get in Europe. Tbh most people don't take the full allotment, and even when you're on vacation you still on occasion need to take calls or answer emails. Also don't be surprised at having to cancel your vacation if you're in the late stages of a deal. Most seniors do try to respect your time off tho. And not much happens from late July through the start of September, so that's a safe time to take time off.
Idk about the rest.
Yeah it's real, every summer this person I know who works a European MF in NYC goes on vacation for a whole month, then again for like 2 weeks during xmas. It's been going on for like 3 years now...
It’s truly wild to hear these perks described as ‘crazy’ when they are standard in Europe.
As someone who works in NYC at a European MF, can confirm we get ~30 days of PTO. Can also confirm I’ve never seen a single person (junior or senior) take even close to all of it, unless it’s a one off like they’re getting married. Could you take 20+ as a junior? Probably, it’s more an unspoken rule that you don’t. Nobody tracks your PTO or really cares exactly what number you take, if you’re on a live deal your PTO doesn’t mean much. People do respect it when you’re not busy. Most of the investment team will be US PE professionals, it’s not like the firm is shipping in whole teams from Europe, just the most senior leadership. The culture reflects that fact.
Sit non voluptatem sint excepturi est fuga. Commodi temporibus molestiae harum cumque repellat blanditiis et. Vel repudiandae sint quia a. Qui molestias vero nihil repudiandae corrupti ratione. Eius natus quod vel labore voluptas. Sunt quam modi soluta est illo beatae consequatur.
See All Comments - 100% Free
WSO depends on everyone being able to pitch in when they know something. Unlock with your email and get bonus: 6 financial modeling lessons free ($199 value)
or Unlock with your social account...