Which bulge bracket would be the best choice for someone aiming to specialize in tech M&A?

Question

Hi everyone,

I'm currently preparing for off-cycle and summer internship applications and I'm particularly interested in tech M&A. I've done some research on boutiques like Qatalyst and Allen & Co, but I’m now focusing on bulge bracket firms to get broader deal exposure and training.

I’m wondering: Which bulge bracket bank would be the best choice if I want to specialize in tech M&A later on?

From what I’ve heard, Morgan Stanley and Goldman Sachs have strong tech franchises, especially in the US. But what about in Europe? Do firms like JPMorgan or BofA offer good exposure to tech deals as well? And how important is the specific office (e.g. London vs. Frankfurt) when it comes to sector specialization?

Any insights from people working in BBs or who’ve recently gone through recruiting would be much appreciated!

Thanks in advance 😊

Answer 1

Hi there!

From what I’ve seen and heard, Morgan Stanley and Goldman do have strong reputations in tech M&A, and that’s true in Europe as well, though the exact deal flow can vary year to year. JPMorgan and BofA also get good exposure to tech, especially in London where a lot of sector coverage teams sit.

In Europe, the specific office really does matter. London tends to have the broadest sector coverage and deal flow, while some continental offices are more generalist or focus on local industries.

If tech is your focus, I’d recommend looking closely at where recent tech deals were executed and maybe even reaching out to analysts or associates in those teams to get a feel for how active they are.

Hope that helps a bit. Good luck with your applications!
Simon

Answer 2

Hey,

Simon summed it up well. If you’re aiming for tech M&A in Europe, London is your best bet because most sector teams and major deals run out of there. Morgan Stanley and Goldman are strong, but JPMorgan and BofA also have solid exposure, especially in London. Barclays can also be active depending on the year.

Beyond the bank name, what really matters is the specific team. Tech coverage varies, so it’s worth checking recent deal activity and talking to people in those groups if you can.

Starting in a generalist team in London with a clear tech interest can also open the right doors.

Hope that helps! 😊

Answer 3

Hey!

If you want to specialize in tech M&A at a bulge bracket, Morgan Stanley and Goldman Sachs are the clear leaders in the US, especially on the West Coast where they dominate large-cap tech deals. In Europe, the landscape is more balanced—JPMorgan and BofA also have strong tech coverage, and Citi is competitive in areas like payments and telecom. These firms all provide solid analyst training and exposure, though MS and GS tend to handle the marquee transactions.

Office location is just as important as the bank itself. London is the primary hub for tech coverage in Europe, while other offices like Frankfurt are more focused on sectors such as FIG or industrials.

If you’re serious about tech, aim for London and express that interest early in the process, but remain flexible given group placement constraints. Ultimately, the best choice is the combination of a strong franchise and the right office that maximizes deal flow and hands-on exposure.