Investment Banking Associate | ESOP
We are partnering with a leading advisory platform focused on Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) transactions and ownership succession solutions for middle-market companies. The firm advises founders, family-owned businesses, management teams, and private equity sponsors on ESOP formations, recapitalizations, mergers & acquisitions, fairness opinions, valuation matters, and capital raising initiatives.
Due to continued growth and a robust transaction pipeline, the firm is seeking an Investment Banking Associate to join its team based in Los Angeles. This is an excellent opportunity for a banking professional interested in combining traditional M&A execution with the unique and highly specialized ESOP market.
Responsibilities
- Execute ESOP transactions, recapitalizations, M&A mandates, and capital raising engagements from initiation through closing
- Build detailed financial models, including LBOs, valuation analyses, ESOP feasibility studies, fairness opinions, and transaction structures
- Prepare client presentations, board materials, confidential information memoranda (CIMs), and marketing documents
- Manage due diligence processes and coordinate with clients, legal counsel, lenders, valuation advisors, and other transaction stakeholders
- Conduct industry research, market analysis, and strategic assessments for prospective and active engagements
- Support senior bankers with client management, business development initiatives, and transaction execution
- Mentor and oversee analysts while ensuring high-quality work product and process management
Qualifications
- 2-5 years of Investment Banking experience at a boutique, middle-market, elite boutique, or bulge bracket institution
- Experience executing M&A, capital raising, valuation, restructuring, or other transaction advisory mandates
- Strong financial modeling, valuation, and analytical skillset
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
- Ability to manage multiple workstreams in a fast-paced, client-facing environment
- Proven attention to detail and commitment to delivering exceptional client service
- Bachelor's degree with a strong academic record required
- Prior ESOP experience is preferred but not required; candidates with strong M&A transaction experience are encouraged to apply
What Makes This Opportunity Unique
- Specialized exposure to the rapidly growing ESOP advisory market
- Meaningful client interaction and transaction responsibility from day one
- Opportunity to work directly with founders, boards of directors, management teams, and lenders
- Entrepreneurial culture with strong career progression opportunities
- Diverse transaction exposure across industries and ownership structures
- Hybrid work schedule based in Los Angeles
If there's interest, don't hesitate to apply!
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