Top Groups At Baird (Chicago) and WB (Chicago)

What are some of the top groups at these two firms with respect to deal flow, exit opportunities (looks like both retain top talent through A2A), reputation, work-life balance, culture, compensation, etc.? How does placement work? Should you demonstrate an interest in a specific group early in the networking and recruitment process? Any major advantages of working at Baird/WB over the other that would sway your decision if you were sitting on offers from both?

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Hi Intern in PE - Other, whoops, looks like nobody chimed in here.... maybe one of these discussions below is relevant:

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I hope those threads give you a bit more insight.

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

WB tech is very strong. Exits from what I have heard through the grapevine this past year:

Marlin, AKKR, WCAS, GTCR, Insight.

Also surprised to learn how many analysts are leaving that didn’t do recruitment across the firm. Have been surprised to see top or very solid analysts go to startups/bschool/Corp dev/ unknown funds. I think this past year really had a lot of people in the industry re-evaluate/ burnout entirely and leave the industry. 

 

Baird industrials is on fire, unbelievable deal flow and generally strong clients. It is the largest and highest quality group at the bank.

2021 did >20 industrial deals over a billion, regularly competes with everybody on the street, and seems to have a stranglehold on the upper middle market.

As mentioned above, Blair is basically the inverse when it comes to strong groups.

Overall great places where you will see quality volume and work with good people. Exits are up to you but you’ll have the deal flow to speak to without a doubt.

 

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