Top Middle Market Investment Banks

It is incredibly difficult to rank middle-market investment banks. I am not going to do that but instead list out the major players for everyone’s reference.

If your favorite bank is not on the list, let me know in the comment section (please tell me why you think it should be here) and I will give it a serious consideration.

1. Lazard

In my days, Lazard was more of a boutique bank. After a series of acquisition and a subsequent IPO, it is now considered more of a top-tier mid-market investment bank with bigger balance sheet and wider footprint.

2. Houlihan Lokey

The firm is founded by O. Kit Lokey and Richard Houlihan, who left Price Waterhouse in 1972 to form a financial consulting firm that provides valuation, accounting and financial services to privately held companies, including financially distressed companies.

The firm has evolved to become one of the most well known middle market investment banks with notable international presence. Currently, the bank has 14 offices in US, Europe and Asia. Houlihan Lokey is arguably the best restructuring house. Other awards include:

• #1 M&A advisor for U.S. transactions under $1 billion by Thomson Reuters in 2010
• #1 global M&A fairness opinion advisor by Thomson Reuters over the past 10 years

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Other Top Middle Market Investment Banks

• Piper Jaffray
• Cowen
• Jefferies
• William Blair & Company

Thanks! Do You Have More Tips?

• Houlihan Lokey careers and interview tips
• Why mid-market banks could be a better choice vs the big guys
• Other frequently asked questions and answers