MS M&A/ GS Offer Advice

What is the reputation of Morgan Stanley's M&A group? Obviously it's one of the best on the street but how is the culture in the group? Survivable/do-able? Exit opps? If you had an offer GS lev fin/ecm which one would you take between the two? Any advice/thoughts would be greatly appreciated.

 

unless you have a compelling reason for GS (lifestyle, people, etc - GS levfin hours are really lite - 60-70 hours a week) take MS M&A. arguably the best group on the street with stellar reputation, dealflow and exit opps.

 
Best Response

Because of the shit, I will give a serious answer. Agree with tmt, take MS all the way. MS M&A is far and away the top M&A group on the street, but you will be working your ass of even for banking. From what I have heard, GS does not have the best lev fin group on the street, but I could be wrong ( I don't work at a BB and am a little separated from the whole BB scene to tell you the truth). From analysts I have spoken with, MOST of the industry groups at GS execute in house, so I'm sure you do not handle all the modelling in levfin. I would never take ECM over a more traditional IBD role, unless you were interested in more of a markets related role or were planning on definitely staying in banking for the long haul. If you have these options, congrats to you and if I were you I would take MS without looking back.

 

How hard is it to get into the M&A group? Is it true that they basically only take harvard and Wharton kids, and its impossible if you aren't from those schools? Recruiters said that you usually get one of your top 3 choices, which makes it sound like there's a good chance you get it. At the same time, do most incoming SA choose M&A as their first choice?

 

Thanks guys. gekko2 wanted to send you a PM but I don't have enough points being new here--

Anyways, does anyone know what the experience is like within the group?

I would appreciate if someone with direct knowledge could help me understand the following: 1. What kind of technical skill would you pick up from this group and do you do as much technical work as as you would in an industry group? 2. How big is the team and what's the culture like? 3. Any other resources where I can learn more about the group?

Thanks guys, appreciate it.

 

From my understanding, Goldman's still #1 in fees though.

http://dealbook.nytimes.com/2011/03/25/goldmans-slow-start-in-m-a/

Dealbook:
Interestingly, the Thomson Reuters data also show Goldman No. 1 in the only ranking that really matters in the end: deal fees.

Goldman, with a leading 7.2 percent share of the United States M.&A. market, is looking to pull in some $257 million in deal fees, estimates Freeman & Company for Thomson Reuters, slightly more than the amount calculated for Morgan Stanley, at No. 2.

 

of course it's no big deal, main reason its behind is because they weren't involved in the at&t-tmobile deal which is huge, and since these rankings are based on the value of deals, go figure. Although they were advising Sprint - for me that is as good. the whole ranking based on total value is fucked up I think. I would look after ranking based on # of deals with EV>500m, instead of total value. these $40bn deals are extremely rare nowadays. Personally, I would rather do 5-10 deals with EV between 1b-5b than just one 40bn deal. regarding GS, wait till the end of the year, I'm sure they'll be 1 or 2 as always.

 
LBObuyout:
http://graphics.thomsonreuters.com/F/11/Deals.html

its fucking GS. they'll come back up, and these rankings will not sustain w.t. most banks sliding up/down one spot. However, for all the UBS lovers- this goes to pivot1990- ur bank is not here, and I doubt it will be.

Hey dude what's up with all the bashing of UBS man... I'm not with UBS but has got a very good impression with the team in Asia (from interviews)
 

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