My job: M&A advisor within SODICA Corporate Finance. I assist and advise shareholders and managers of SMEs and mid-cap companies that are planning to sell a company or assets, acquire companies or restructure their capital.

We provide our expertise to the customers of Crédit Agricole Group business networks and private banks in France and abroad.

How would you describe the position of M&A Advisor?

I am a Regional Director. I am based in Bordeaux, and I divide my time between:
– coordinating the Group’s networks around our businesses
– business origination and completing operations
– managing the team of experts in the South West
All this is done in coordination with the central teams, who provide support and sectoral expertise, if necessary.

What are the peak periods of your job during the year?

The key periods are the closing of operations when discussions that have usually lasted between 6 and 18 months are coming to fruition. July and December are often favourable for closings.
Overall the pace of work is fairly sustained, there are no real calm periods, and no “day-to-day” work. It’s about nurturing the flow of potential business while carrying out assignments that are often complex but also exciting.

Can you describe your typical day?

The day’s schedule depends on the state of progress of the dossiers and can include producing presentation documents, financial analyses, modelling, client meetings, prospect pitches, negotiation calls, reading legal documents, meetings with networks, internal meetings and training.
My favourite moments are introductory meetings with executives who present their group and their projects, and for which we can come up with solutions.

What career path is required to reach your position and what are the possibilities for development?

I trained in two fields: agricultural engineering (Agro Sup) and business (EMLyon). A good financial education is essential for this job and commercial skills are a plus.
I have always done M&A, for the past 17 years. I started as an intern and then I had the luck and opportunity to come and work for SODICA Corporate Finance. My colleagues all have some knowledge of business and management through other career backgrounds, such as experience in Audit or Transaction Services, experience in another investment bank, sometimes having worked in a company in strategic or financial management, and sometimes through experience in banking.

What advice would you give to someone thinking of taking up a similar position?

This is an exciting, fascinating and demanding job that calls for many skills that can be developed with experience.