Investment Banking Analyst - Financial Sponsors Group

The Investment Banking Financial Sponsors Group Analyst will support new business development, transaction execution, and the delivery of investment banking products and services, with a focus on William Blair’s relationships with private equity firms that acquire/make significant investments in private companies. Work closely with senior investment bankers who lead this practice area and participate in meetings (in-person and virtual) with the covered private equity firms. Conduct company and industry research, prepare analyses, and maintain standing reports. Contribute to the creation of client-facing materials, including new business pitches. 

About Financial Sponsors Group

William Blair’s Financial Sponsors Group is focused on developing and institutionalizing relationships with leading private equity firms and family offices around the world. Many of these relationships have been developed over multiple decades providing us with senior-level access and credibility with the key decision-makers at each firm. With 100+ completed transactions annually with PE firms, we have proprietary insights into each financial sponsor's unique investment criteria, approach, and behavior. Our team's highly relevant experience with the private equity community uniquely positions William Blair to deliver exceptional results for our M&A sell-side clients and serve as close, trusted advisors to our sponsor clients.

Responsibilities include but may not be limited to:

• Support the firm’s coverage of private equity firms by developing an understanding of each firm’s mandates, portfolio strategies, and long-term capital objectives.
• Prepare client-facing materials to support private equity engagement and coverage initiatives.
• Collaborate with sector, product, and founder/family-owned business teams to support coverage efforts and origination initiatives.
• Assist with analytical work related to mergers, acquisitions, and capital-raising transactions, including the preparation of valuation and presentation materials.
• Conduct research, due diligence, and documentation for potential and active transactions, identifying key considerations and escalating issues as appropriate.
• Draft management presentations, proposals, and marketing materials for clients and prospects.
• Participate in client meetings, internal working sessions, and drafting reviews in support of coverage and transaction execution.
• Seek opportunities to improve internal processes and workflows to enhance efficiency and consistency.
• Develop an understanding of macroeconomic and industry trends and their implications for clients and investors.
• Mentor summer interns by sharing best practices and providing day-to-day guidance.
• Ensure compliance with applicable rules, regulations, policies, and procedures.
• Perform additional responsibilities as requested.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s Degree required.
• 1+ year(s) of prior work experience required.
• Internship or prior work experience in financial services industry preferred.
• Proven track record in university studies required.
• SIE Exam, Series 79, and Series 63 must be acquired within 150 days of employment (for US experienced hires only).
• Detail orientation with strong analytical abilities.
• Excellent mathematical, writing, verbal and computer skills.
• Ability to adapt to new tasks with little notice.
• Ability to work on multiple projects simultaneously.
• Strong desire to win.
• Sound judgement.
• Thorough understanding of accounting and finance.
• Commitment to satisfying internal and external customers.
• Travel required: approximately 5%

#LI-CG1