Investment Banking Associate - Distressed M&A

Investment Banking Associate - Special Situations & Distressed M&A

Chicago, IL (Hybrid)

Our client is a leading middle-market financial advisory firm that is seeking an Investment Banking Associate to join its growing Special Situations and M&A advisory team in Chicago. This role offers the opportunity to work on complex transactions involving underperforming, distressed, and transitional businesses across a variety of industries.

The team advises owners, lenders, investors, and stakeholders on strategic alternatives, mergers and acquisitions, recapitalizations, and other value-maximizing transactions. Unlike traditional M&A assignments, many engagements involve accelerated timelines, dynamic situations, and high-impact strategic decision-making.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and review financial analysis, industry research, valuation work, and transaction-related modeling.
• Develop and refine sophisticated three-statement operating models, merger models, and valuation analyses.
• Prepare client-facing materials including confidential information memoranda (CIMs), management presentations, investor materials, and marketing documents.
• Support transaction execution from initial engagement through closing, including due diligence coordination and buyer/investor outreach.
• Collaborate directly with senior bankers, clients, legal advisors, lenders, and other stakeholders throughout the transaction process.
• Conduct market and industry analysis to identify trends, strategic opportunities, and potential buyers or investors.
• Manage multiple engagements simultaneously while maintaining a high standard of quality and attention to detail.
• Contribute to business development initiatives and the preparation of proposals and pitch materials.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Finance, Accounting, Economics, Business, or a related field.
• Approximately 3+ years of relevant experience in investment banking, transaction advisory, valuation, restructuring, consulting, public accounting, or corporate finance.
• Specifically, candidates must have at least some Distressed M&A, Tradtional M&A, or closely adjacent experience
• Strong understanding of financial statements, accounting principles, corporate finance, and valuation methodologies.
• Advanced Excel and financial modeling capabilities, including experience building integrated operating and valuation models.
• Familiarity with discounted cash flow analysis, comparable company analysis, precedent transactions, and other valuation techniques.
• Exceptional analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Strong written and verbal communication abilities, with experience creating professional client deliverables.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment and manage multiple priorities effectively.
• Demonstrated initiative, professionalism, and a collaborative team-oriented mindset.

Why Consider This Opportunity?

• Exposure to a broad range of special situations, distressed M&A, restructuring, and strategic advisory engagements.
• Significant client interaction and transaction execution responsibility.
• Opportunity to work alongside experienced professionals on complex middle-market transactions.
• Collaborative culture with strong mentorship and career advancement opportunities.
• Growing platform with an active deal environment and diverse industry exposure.

Expected Compensation:

Base Salary: $130k - $140k

Discretionary Bonus:~$50k - $80k+