Associate

The Opportunity This highly regarded independent advisory boutique based in London is seeking to appoint an Associate to support its continued growth within a specialist, sector-focused M&A practice. The firm advises founder-led, entrepreneur-owned and private equity-backed businesses across a range of growth sectors. With a strong reputation in the mid-market, the team delivers strategic M&A advice on complex transactions for shareholders, management teams and financial sponsors. Operating within a genuinely partner-led environment, the business is highly selective regarding the mandates it takes on, resulting in a strong execution focus, excellent deal conversion rates and limited time spent on speculative pitching. The result is meaningful transaction exposure, significant client interaction and responsibility beyond what would typically be expected at Associate level. The Role Our client is looking for an Associate with solid sell-side M&A experience who wants to take on broader responsibility and continue developing towards the VP level. Key responsibilities include:

• Supporting the execution of live M&A transactions from preparation through to completion
• Producing investment memoranda, management presentations and marketing materials
• Building and maintaining detailed financial models and valuation analyses
• Managing diligence workstreams and virtual data rooms
• Coordinating advisors, buyers and clients throughout the transaction process
• Analysing financial performance, working capital and transaction adjustments
• Supporting negotiations and execution across all stages of a deal lifecycle
• Reviewing work produced by Analysts and providing day-to-day mentorship
• Developing trusted relationships with clients and external stakeholders Candidate Profile The successful candidate is likely to demonstrate:
• Approximately 4-6 years' relevant M&A or corporate finance experience
• Strong sell-side execution experience within the mid-market
• Experience seeing transactions through to signing and completion
• A solid understanding of transaction mechanics including lock-box structures, completion accounts and funds flows
• Strong financial modelling and valuation capabilities
• Experience preparing information memoranda and managing due diligence processes
• Exposure to TMT, technology-enabled services, consumer or broader business services sectors
• The ability to operate independently and manage multiple workstreams simultaneously
• Strong communication skills and confidence interacting directly with clients and advisors
• A collaborative, down-to-earth and low-ego approach Why Join?
• Highly active advisory platform with an established reputation in attractive growth sectors
• Partner-led culture with exceptional exposure to senior decision-makers
• Opportunity to operate at a level typically associated with more senior investment banking roles
• Strong execution environment with limited pitching requirements
• High levels of responsibility and client exposure from day one
• Excellent team stability and long-term career progression opportunities
• Collaborative culture with a genuine focus on work-life balance
• Exposure to both domestic and international transactions
• Attractive compensation package with strong bonus potential If you are currently executing mid-market M&A transactions and are looking to join a high-quality boutique where Associates are trusted with significant responsibility, we'd be interested in speaking with you.