Associate - Corporate Finance (Consumer M&A)

Business Unit: Corporate Finance

Industry: Consumer

Overview

Houlihan Lokey, Inc. (NYSE:HLI) is a leading global investment bank recognised for delivering independent strategic and financial advice to corporations, financial sponsors, and governments. With uniquely deep industry expertise, broad international reach, and a partnership approach rooted in trust, the firm provides innovative, integrated solutions across mergers and acquisitions, capital solutions, financial restructuring, and financial and valuation advisory. Our unmatched transaction volumes provide differentiated, data-driven perspectives that help our clients achieve their most critical goals.

Corporate Finance

The Houlihan Lokey Corporate Finance business has extensive expertise in mergers, acquisitions, divestitures, activist shareholder and takeover defence, and other related advisory services for a broad range of clients. In addition, we have the proven ability to engineer and execute financing solutions that are essential for growth and success and offer access to financing in the public and alternative capital markets through the issuance of debt, equity, or hybrid securities. In EMEA, we work with a wide spectrum of companies, from middle-market privately owned enterprises to large multinational organisations. With a growing platform of Corporate Finance professionals and offices across the region, in addition to our global reach and in-depth knowledge across a broad range of industries, we have the breadth and targeted expertise to provide exceptional client service.

Consumer Group

Houlihan Lokey’s Consumer Group is the No. 1 Consumer M&A team globally (according to data from Refinitiv), guiding companies on their M&A, restructuring and financial advisory matters, and assists in raising debt and equity capital. The group has built a reputation as a trusted advisor to companies in the Consumer industry, combining extensive market capabilities with in-depth industry knowledge to help maximise shareholder value for our clients. Our European Consumer team is made up of 70 bankers, including over 30 in London.

Scope

The Consumer team at Houlihan Lokey is looking to add Associates in London. The environment at Houlihan Lokey is both collegial and entrepreneurial. Teamwork is essential to the firm’s success. At the same time, creativity and new ideas are encouraged. Associates are given substantial responsibility and are encouraged to help us grow our business. Associates work on transactions that provide exposure to various services, including M&A, private placements of debt and equity, refinancings, and leveraged buyouts.

Responsibilities

• Prepare, analyse and help explain historical and projected financial information
• Create financial models
• Coordinate and perform business due diligence
• Prepare confidential information memoranda, management presentations, marketing pitches and other presentations
• Value companies and businesses
• Lead the planning and execution of marketing engagements
• Build relationships and maintain direct contact with clients and prospective clients, professional advisors and other stakeholders
• Supervise junior staff members in financial analyses
• Assist in the marketing and planning of engagements

Requirements and Qualifications

• Strong academic track record and achieved at least a 2:1 Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent)
• 4-7 years of advisory experience within either an M&A, generalist or Industry team
• Experience/knowledge in the consumer, food & retail sector will be favourably regarded
• Experience within transactional services, consulting or corporate development also considered
• Fundamental understanding of financial valuation methodologies, and applications
• Advanced Financial modelling and analytical abilities; Strong LBO and DCF modelling skills
• Strong qualitative and quantitative research skills
• Understanding of financial statements analysis with the ability to work through key assumptions, implicit caveats, and limitations
• Strong knowledge of Excel and other Microsoft Office applications
• Independent thinker and resourceful problem solver driven to succeed
• Strong work ethic, organisational skills and ability to multitask is crucial
• Motivated and demonstrated ability to work cooperatively with all levels of staff in a rapidly changing, demanding, but ultimately rewarding environment
• Ability to work independently in a fast-paced environment
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills in English are essential

We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, colour, religion, sex, national origin, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.