Chicago is home to a vibrant financial services industry, with a mix of large investment banks as well as specialized middle market firms. While mega banks like Goldman Sachs and JP Morgan have a strong presence, Chicago’s middle market investment banks play a critical role serving mid-sized companies in the region. This article will provide key facts on some of the most well-known middle market investment banks headquartered in Chicago.
William Blair is a Leading Chicago-Based Middle Market Investment Bank
William Blair is one of the most established independent investment banks in Chicago. Founded in 1935, William Blair focuses on serving small and mid-cap clients globally across healthcare, technology, financial services, and industrial sectors. The firm is employee-owned and known for its strong Midwest roots and local market knowledge. William Blair leverages its sector expertise and regional focus to provide M&A, equity capital markets, fixed income capital markets, and equity research services to middle market clients.
Mesirow Financial Offers Advisory and Capital Raising Services
Mesirow Financial is a diversified financial services firm based in Chicago that provides investment banking, capital markets, investment management, and insurance services. Its investment bank offers M&A advisory, private capital raising, public offerings, and financial restructuring services. With over 80 years of operating history dating back to 1937, Mesirow Financial focuses on the financial services, healthcare, industrial, and technology sectors. The firm works extensively with private equity firms, family offices, and public and private corporations.
Loop Capital Markets Specializes in Serving Minority-Owned Firms
Loop Capital Markets is an investment bank, brokerage, and advisory firm founded in 1997 in Chicago. It specializes in providing services to minority-owned and operated companies as well as state and local governments. Loop Capital Markets offers equity and fixed income underwriting, financial advisory, public finance, trading, and research services. The firm is focused on the healthcare, technology, media/telecom, and consumer sectors as well as industrial and financial services clients.
Lincoln International Brings Extensive Cross-Border Capabilities
Lincoln International is a leading global mid-market investment bank with over 500 professionals across the Americas, Asia, and Europe. The Chicago-based firm provides M&A advisory, capital raising, restructuring, and strategic advisory services for mid-sized clients. Lincoln International leverages its global footprint to serve clients across geographies and has extensive experience executing cross-border transactions. Key expertise areas include business services, consumer, healthcare, industrials, and technology.
Chicago has emerged as a hub for high-quality middle market investment banks that provide vital advisory and capital raising services to mid-sized corporations, private equity firms, and public entities. Firms like William Blair, Mesirow Financial, Loop Capital, and Lincoln International have deep expertise serving local and regional clients across healthcare, technology, consumer, industrial, and financial sectors.