Associate, Investment Banking - ESOP

Impact You’ll Make:

The Stout ESOP Investment Banking Team is looking for an Associate to handle the day-to-day execution of ESOP Formation, Recapitalization, and Capital Markets transactions. Associates will work under the guidance of product bankers for various transaction and pitch assignments. Successful candidates will be highly technical, detail-oriented, and proficient in content creation and complex financial modeling.

Under the mentorship of seasoned Stout professionals, Associates at Stout will have the opportunity to develop a well-rounded investment banking skill set while gaining significant client exposure.

The ESOP Investment Banking team partners with successful family- and founder-owned businesses to evaluate the advantages of ESOP transactions alongside traditional sell-side options. As the sole financial advisor, we facilitate successful ESOP transactions, typically supported by capital raises led by Stout.

We collaborate with industry bankers and our capital markets team to identify ideal candidates for ESOP exits, often working with owners pursuing a dual-track approach of both ESOP and traditional transactions. Additionally, we assist large, successful companies with established ESOPs in recapitalizations with private capital providers, and support industry bankers in sell-side roles for ESOP-owned companies seeking exits to strategic buyers or private equity.

What You’ll Do:

• Create dynamic three-statement financial models, valuation models, and pro forma financial statements incorporating detailed transaction adjustments

• Prepare and deliver pitch materials for ESOP formations and recapitalizations, working in partnership with practice leaders throughout the firm and sector leaders within the investment bank to win and execute new mandates

• Attend client meetings and present complex deal aspects directly to company shareholders and Board members

• Perform extensive financial modeling, structuring, and negotiating of live ESOP transactions
  Launch transaction plan and manage day-to-day transaction execution activities, including up-to-date transaction timeline, information requests, data room oversight, financial model upkeep, CIM and Databook preparation, Board and Shareholder presentations, lender lists, funds flow, etc.

• Conduct due diligence sessions with clients

• Conduct quantitative, economic, and industry research

• Communicate with key stakeholders not limited to owners, shareholders, financial institutions, and market competitors

• Become SME of ESOP transaction ecosystem and feasibility

• Play key leadership role in all aspects of the transaction process

What You Bring:

• At least 3 years of experience in an investment banking environment with advanced technical skills

• ESOP experience and familiarity preferred but not required

• Ability to conduct valuation analyses, including Discounted Cash Flow, Leveraged Buyout, Comparable Companies, Precedent Transactions, and Sum-of-the-Parts required

• Ability to build diverse financial models from scratch required

• Experience working the end-to-end deal execution lifecycle

• Prior debt structuring and underwriting experience preferred but not required

• Bachelor’s degree required (Finance, Math, or Economics preferred but not required)

• Advanced proficiency in Excel, PowerPoint, and Word

• Strong communication skills, desire to learn, and ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment

How You’ll Thrive:

• Cultivate a positive, team-oriented approach that fosters collaboration and shared success.

• Demonstrate accountability and reliability by consistently delivering high-quality results and meeting expectations.

• Exhibit an entrepreneurial mindset and a commitment to excellence in all aspects of your work.

• Build meaningful relationships and leverage strong interpersonal skills to create trust and drive outcomes.

• Communicate effectively and respond promptly, ensuring clarity and alignment with stakeholders.

• Bring intellectual curiosity and a keen attention to detail to problem-solving and decision-making.

• Apply advanced analytical and quantitative skills to uncover insights and drive data-informed strategies.

• Leverage a deep understanding of the sell-side execution process to navigate complex transactions and achieve optimal results.

A reasonable estimate of the current range is $145,000 - $175,000 Annual. This role is also anticipated to be eligible to participate in an annual bonus plan. Information about benefits can be found here - https://www.stout.com/en/careers/benefits.