Cook M&A Advisory Services · 1 week ago
Research Associate
Chicago, IL
Full-time
Onsite
New Grad, Entry Level
$72K/yr - $78K/yrCook M&A Advisory Services is a leading buy-side M&A advisory firm that partners with private equity groups to streamline the acquisition process. The Research Associate will support client engagements by conducting detailed industry and company research to identify qualified acquisition targets.
AdviceConsultingFinancial Services
Responsibilities
Engage with clients and internal teams to understand investment criteria, industry focus, and project goals through a process-oriented mindset
Conduct in-depth market and industry research across a wide range of sectors, analyzing market size, trends, major players, M&A activity, competition, risks, and growth drivers
Source, organize, and synthesize information from multiple databases and public/private sources to develop comprehensive market insights
Identify and evaluate potential acquisition targets that align with specific client objectives, using both qualitative and quantitative criteria (e.g., company size, ownership, headquarters, business model, products/services, and end markets served)
Maintain accurate and current information in the firm’s CRM system and research tools
Manage multiple projects simultaneously, ensuring the timely delivery of high-quality research and analysis
Collaborate closely with team members and leadership to support the overall success of each client engagement
Participate, contribute, and collaborate on department and company-level process initiatives to drive continuous improvement and efficiencies
Qualification
Required
Bachelor's degree required
Strong analytical skills
Intellectual curiosity
Collaborative mindset
Engage with clients and internal teams to understand investment criteria, industry focus, and project goals through a process-oriented mindset
Conduct in-depth market and industry research across a wide range of sectors, analyzing market size, trends, major players, M&A activity, competition, risks, and growth drivers
Source, organize, and synthesize information from multiple databases and public/private sources to develop comprehensive market insights
Identify and evaluate potential acquisition targets that align with specific client objectives, using both qualitative and quantitative criteria (e.g., company size, ownership, headquarters, business model, products/services, and end markets served)
Maintain accurate and current information in the firm's CRM system and research tools
Manage multiple projects simultaneously, ensuring the timely delivery of high-quality research and analysis
Collaborate closely with team members and leadership to support the overall success of each client engagement
Participate, contribute, and collaborate on department and company-level process initiatives to drive continuous improvement and efficiencies
Self-starter with a hands-on, proactive approach and strong sense of accountability
Naturally curious and strong critical thinking skills with the ability to evaluate complex information and draw sound conclusions
Excellent written skills and effective presentation and communication skills, capable of translating research insights clearly for internal teams and client stakeholders
Professional presence and confidence in interacting with executives, originators, managing directors, and private equity investors
Strong organizational and time management abilities with demonstrated adaptability and resilience in a dynamic environment where priorities may shift, while consistently maintaining high productivity and attention to detail
Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and online research tools
Demonstrates sound judgment, professionalism, and integrity in all interactions
Comfortable working in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial environment that values teamwork and initiative
Resourceful & creative problem-solving abilities
Company
Cook M&A Advisory Services
Cook M&A Advisory Services is a buy-side M&A advisory firm.
Founded in 1996
11-50 employees
Funding
Current Stage
Early StageCompany data provided by crunchbase