What does an M&A analyst do ?
The merger & acquisition analyst, or M&A analyst, supports companies during mergers or acquisitions as part of their financial arrangements. This advisory role to companies promotes and ensures their external growth by identifying opportunities for sale, merger, or acquisition of companies.
Highly technical, "top of the balance sheet" operations require perfect mastery of financial analysis, genuine relational ease, and a commercial aspect. The M&A analyst will need to leverage their financial models and forecasted business plans to convince investors and company executives to proceed with, or avoid, such financial operations.
Words from our alumni
"The most interesting aspects of this job?
The human contact and the adrenaline of the deal!"
How’s the day-to-day work of a merger & acquisition analyst?
It all depends on your level of seniority within the bank. But overall, you are involved in the support of your clients throughout the preparation and execution phase of a transaction.
To be more concrete, and if you are advising on a sale, you will be responsible for identifying and contacting potential buyers, drafting various marketing documents (teaser, Information Memo, etc.), financial modeling, and coordinating other advisors, etc.
What aspect of this job interests you the most?
The human contact and the adrenaline of the deal.
Why did you choose the Université Paris Dauphine-PSL for your training?
For the quality of its training and the opportunity to specialize, from the Master 1, in Corporate Finance.
What is THE essential skill that the Master in Corporate Financial Management gave you to pursue a career in this sector, and which still serves you today?
The group work that required organization, communication, and anticipation.
GUILLAUME DU REPAIRE
MERGER & ACQUISITIONS ANALYST - NATIXIS PARTNERS
His background:
Master in Corporate Financial Management
Areas of work of an M&A analyst
The M&A analyst supports their clients in key stages of their external growth. Since the merging of companies is always a risky operation, it is their task to evaluate the price of the targeted companies and highlight the interest of potential synergies to reassure the stakeholders.
The profession of a Merger and Acquisition analyst requires human qualities, a strong analytical capacity, and an excellent understanding of financial mechanisms. The analyst will have different missions depending on whether they work in a bank, an investment bank, a consulting firm, or within the legal and financial department of a large group or a fast-growing startup.
Daily tasks
On a daily basis, a merger and acquisition (M&A) analyst carries out the following missions:
- Update data rooms during audits.
- Model financial arrangements for growth strategy.
- Compile business plans.
- Follow and lead financial transactions.
- Continuously seek opportunities for their clients or their company.
- Search for investors.
- Execute mandates for purchase, sale, or fundraising entrusted by clients.
- Coordinate due diligence phases.
- Support executives on a daily basis.
Salaries and career path
After completing the Master's degree from the Université Paris Dauphine – PSL, the median salary for an M&A analyst is €44,500 gross per year, not including variable compensation. After 3 years, an M&A analyst in investment banking can become a managing associate and double their starting salary.
With experience, it becomes possible to aspire to the position of vice-president and then financial director. Some M&A analysts in Private Equity also have international careers. Their skills are sought after in all English-speaking countries in particular.
Required
skills
- Excellent knowledge of economic and financial mechanisms.
- A penchant for consulting and support.
- Meticulousness, both in financial analysis and in the preparation of presentations.
- Proficiency in business English.
- Flexible scheduling and responsiveness.
- A genuine interest in financial issues and the market of various clients under management.
How to become a M&A analyst?
To become a M&A analyst, one must pursue a demanding and selective education at a BAC+5 level. The most prestigious investment banks recruit their future M&A analysts from recognized universities.
The profession of an M&A analyst requires solid knowledge in finance, law, business, accounting, as well as good interpersonal skills. A Master's degree in the field of Finance is therefore required to pursue a career in mergers and acquisitions.
Training to become an M&A analyst at the Université Paris Dauphine-PSL
The Université Paris Dauphine-PSL offers a high-level Master's in Finance, recognized by professionals in the sector. The specialization year will allow future M&A analysts to master all the skills necessary for their career, according to their affinities with a type of company or sector of activity.
The strengths of the Dauphine-PSL Master's in Finance:
- A first generalist year in a prestigious track of the university.
- A strong specialization in the second year, at the student's choice.
- Diverse professional prospects with numerous opportunities in corporate and investment banking, business banking, and financial management.
- The opportunity to develop an international career.
- Studies that are closely aligned with professional life, with the possibility of work-study immersion from the first year.
- Excellent professional integration.