Case Study – Building Evercore’s PCA Capability in France

In September 2025, Evercore engaged us to support the expansion of its market-leading Private Capital Advisory (PCA) platform into France—its only relative gap in EMEA, where Lazard remained the dominant adviser.

Working closely with senior stakeholders, including Jasmine Hunet (SMD), we defined a targeted hiring strategy focused on Associate-level bankers with deep PCA transaction experience or strong sponsor-led (LBO) deal experience. The aim was to have a London-based but French-speaking banker provide execution support from afar.

Within three weeks, we delivered a shortlist of six high-calibre candidates, five of whom progressed to interview, with three identified as strong potential hires.

As market conditions evolved—particularly sustained high lending rates driving sustained demand for continuation vehicles—Evercore pivoted toward building a dedicated, on-the-ground PCA capability in Paris. We recalibrated the search to focus exclusively on local French talent with deep sponsor relationships, targeting a more senior (Director) hire as well as the junior Associate whose focus would be on execution. A second-in-command was going to be needed who could help contribute to and roll out their strategic vision.

Results at a glance

Delivery - 6 High-calibre candidates within 3 weeks

Key Placement: A Director from Lazard, bringing direct competitor insight

Key Placement: Associate from Natixis Partners (now Houlihan Lokey), providing immediate execution expertise

Time to Hire: Both offers accepted within 2 months of search initiation

By securing talent from the market incumbent, we were able to help transafer market intelligence and sponsor relationships directly to our client to support their strategic expansion in an opaque and competitive market. Fluency and expertise across the PCA industry is only going to increase in the months and years to come.