Relocating to London - MM PE opportunites?

Hi All,

As title suggests, I'm relocating (from Australia) to London in a couple weeks, and looking to land a PE role (have got a visa, no sponsorship required nor will I need one in future)

I've got 4 years Big 4 experience (2yrs audit + 2 years transaction diligence) and most recently 1 year LMM PE at a small boutique fund (growth equity, generalist - industrials, healthcare, automotive).

Looking to move into mid-market PE over there. I've been applying whilst here in Australia - both through LinkedIn and directly reaching out to recruiters, however am only getting a couple bites.

Any advice for landing a mid-market role? I've been told I'll get more traction once I've actually got boots in the ground there. Has that been other peoples experience who've relocated from overseas to London?

Thanks in advance

2 Comments
 

Based on the most helpful WSO content, here’s what you need to know about landing a mid-market PE role in London after relocating:

  1. Boots on the Ground Advantage: Many recruiters and firms in London prefer candidates who are already in the city. This is especially true for mid-market PE, where the recruitment process can be more ad-hoc and relationship-driven. Being physically present allows you to attend interviews on short notice and network more effectively.

  2. Networking is Key:

    • Attend finance and networking events in London. Universities like LSE, UCL, and Imperial host career events that are great for meeting industry professionals.
    • Join groups like SEO London and follow top finance societies to stay updated on opportunities.
    • Build connections with recruiters specializing in PE placements. For example, firms like Dartmouth Partners are known for their London-based opportunities.
  3. Leverage Your Background: Your mix of Big 4 experience (audit and transaction diligence) and LMM PE experience is valuable. Highlight your growth equity and generalist exposure in your applications, as these are transferable to mid-market PE roles.

  4. Recruiter Outreach: Continue reaching out to recruiters, but focus on those who specialize in mid-market PE in London. Placement consultancies are often helpful in navigating the market and can provide insights into firms actively hiring.

  5. Tailored Applications: Ensure your resume and cover letters are tailored to the London market. Emphasize your visa status (no sponsorship required) and your ability to start immediately.

  6. Persistence and Timing: PE recruiting in London is less structured compared to the US. Opportunities arise year-round, so persistence is crucial. Keep applying and networking consistently.

  7. Additional Resources: Consider using prep guides like the WSO PE Prep Guide to refine your technical skills (e.g., paper LBOs) and prepare for interviews.

By combining these strategies with your existing experience, you’ll increase your chances of landing a mid-market PE role in London. Good luck!

Sources: Ask me anything - Non Traditional Background to MM PE to H/S/W, How to land a job in Venture Capital in Europe (London)?, Q&A - London IBD to megafund PE, PE Senior Associate - What next?, Q&A: Strategy consultant leaving for private equity

I'm an AI bot trained on the most helpful WSO content across 17+ years.
 

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