Private Equity Associate

About MSouth Equity Partners

We are a private equity investment firm that provides equity capital and expertise to support management teams in acquisitions and recapitalizations of lower middle market companies typically valued between $25 and $250 million. Based in Atlanta, we invest primarily in the South with a consistent focus on management buyouts of companies in sectors where we have significant investment, management and transactional experience. We invest with the objective of increasing operating cash flow through growth initiatives and active ownership. A key element of our investment strategy is partnering with experienced management teams to create value. Founded in 2007, MSouth has raised $2.2 billion of capital across four funds. MSouth is the successor to Cravey, Green & Wahlen, which was founded in 1984.

Role Overview

In the role of Associate, you will serve as a critical contributor to the post-acquisition value creation of our portfolio companies. Your analytical acumen, commercial judgment, and ability to synthesize complex information will directly influence investment decisions that shape the trajectory of our portfolio. You will work in close partnership with senior investment professionals, gaining exposure to high-stakes negotiations, sophisticated capital structures, and operational transformation strategies. This is not a passive analytical role; it is an opportunity to be deeply embedded in the strategic and operational levers that drive enterprise value.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct comprehensive financial modeling, including leveraged buyout (LBO) analyses, discounted cash flow (DCF) valuations, merger models, and scenario-based sensitivity analyses to assess potential investment returns under varying market conditions.
• Undertake exhaustive industry and competitive landscape research, synthesizing macroeconomic trends, regulatory developments, and competitive dynamics to inform portfolio management.
• Lead and coordinate multi-disciplinary due diligence processes, engaging with legal, tax, operational, and commercial advisors to identify risks, validate assumptions, and structure transactions optimally, primarily on the sell-side.
• Prepare and deliver detailed investment presentations for the investment committee, addressing complex issues with clarity and precision.
• Collaborate with portfolio company executives to design and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs), identify operational inefficiencies, and implement strategic growth initiatives, including market expansion, product or service diversification, and M&A add-on strategies.
• Maintain active engagement with industry networks, intermediaries, and potential deal sources to support proactive origination efforts for our portfolio companies.
• Monitor portfolio company performance on an ongoing basis, providing analytical support for strategic decision-making and capital allocation.
• Support firm-wide initiatives and special projects as needed, including preparation for MSouth’s Annual LP Meeting, quarterly investor reporting, and strategy meetings.

Qualifications

• 2–4 years of professional experience in transaction advisory services, investment banking, management consulting, private equity, or a related field with a demonstrable track record of analytical excellence and transaction execution.
• Mastery of advanced financial modeling techniques, with the ability to construct and stress-test complex models under tight deadlines.
• Exceptional quantitative and qualitative analytical skills, with the intellectual agility to assess diverse industries and business models.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, capable of distilling intricate financial and strategic concepts into concise, persuasive narratives for senior stakeholders.
• A disciplined, detail-oriented approach to problem-solving, coupled with the capacity to manage multiple workstreams in a demanding environment.
• Bachelor’s degree in finance, economics, business, or a related discipline; advanced credentials such as an MBA or CFA designation are advantageous.
• A high degree of professional maturity, discretion, and integrity in handling sensitive information and high-value transactions.

Why MSouth

• Direct and sustained exposure to senior partners, investment committees, and portfolio company leadership, providing unparalleled learning opportunities.
• The ability to work on transactions across a diverse range of industries and stage of company development.
• Competitive base salary and performance-based bonuses, plus benefits.
• Annual professional development allowance to support continued education, certifications, and industry conference participation.
• A culture that rewards intellectual rigor, decisive action, and collaborative problem-solving, while maintaining the highest standards of professional ethics.

Join Us

If you are prepared to engage in complex, high-impact investment work and contribute meaningfully to the growth and transformation of our portfolio companies, we invite you to submit your resume to info@msouth.com along with a brief statement describing a transaction, strategic initiative, or analytical project that best demonstrates your capabilities. We look forward to exploring how your expertise can help us shape the future of our investments.