Introduction

Valuing companies is central to mergers and acquisitions—and a key part of any M&A interview. Interviewers want to see that you understand the major valuation methods, when to use them, and how to adjust for transaction-specific dynamics like synergies and control premiums. This blog outlines the core M&A valuation techniques and how to approach them in interviews.

Lets take a look at the different valuation methods;

• DCF (Discounted Cash Flow): Best for stable, cash-generative businesses.
• Comparable Company Analysis (Trading Comps): Uses public company data to estimate value.
• Precedent Transactions: Looks at similar historical M&A deals.
• LBO Analysis: Used to understand floor valuation based on financial sponsors.
• Synergies and Premiums: Discuss how strategic buyers may pay a premium due to revenue or cost synergies.

Top Interview Tip: Explain why a method is appropriate, not just how it works.

Conclusion
A great M&A candidate doesn’t just list methods—they can explain valuation in context. Circle Square gives you access to role-specific preparation and insight into what types of deals our clients focus on, so you can tailor your answers and stand out.

Introduction

Breaking into investment banking is highly competitive, and technical interviews are designed to separate candidates who truly understand finance from those who don't. These interviews aren’t just about knowing definitions—they’re about applying concepts under pressure. In this blog, we’ll walk you through the most commonly asked technical questions in investment banking interviews and give you the tools to answer them with confidence.

Technical questions in investment banking interviews typically focus on three key areas: valuation, accounting, and financial modeling. These questions test your analytical skills and your ability to apply financial theory to real-world problems.

Sample Questions:

• Walk me through a DCF.
• How do you value a company?
• What happens to the financial statements when depreciation increases?
• What are the three main valuation methods?
• How does working capital affect cash flow?

To prepare effectively:

• Start by mastering the basics of accounting. Know how the income statement, balance sheet, and cash flow statement interact.
• Practice building financial models from scratch. Plenty of online resources and courses offer templates to work from.
• Get familiar with valuation techniques: DCF, comparable company analysis, precedent transactions, and LBOs.
• Use guides like the Wall Street Prep or Breaking Into Wall Street interview guides, and test your skills in mock interviews.

Conclusion

Mastering these technical questions shows you can think critically and apply financial concepts confidently. At Circle Square, we know our clients inside out. We’ll help you prepare by sharing detailed insights on the types of technical questions each firm tends to ask—so you're not just practicing, you're practicing with purpose.

Introduction

"Why do you want this role?" It’s one of the most frequently asked—and deceptively tricky—interview questions in finance. Whether you’re interviewing for a role in M&A, Private Equity, Venture Capital, or Corporate Development, your answer needs to clearly demonstrate motivation, alignment, and insight. Interviewers are looking for candidates who understand the role deeply and can articulate why they’re a strong fit. This guide breaks down how to craft a compelling answer tailored to each vertical.

Interviewers ask this question to test whether you understand the role and if you're genuinely motivated. A strong response combines your passion, your relevant skills, and your long-term goals.

Breakdown by Sector:

• M&A: Highlight your drive for high-stakes, fast-paced deal work. Emphasize your love for numbers, strategy, and collaboration under pressure.
• Private Equity: Stress your interest in operational improvement and long-term value creation. Mention exposure to due diligence or portfolio analysis.
• Venture Capital: Show curiosity for innovation and startups. Talk about industries or founders that inspire you.
• Corporate Development: Focus on strategy, internal growth, and aligning with company-wide vision.

Tips:

• Avoid buzzwords without substance.
• Connect your experience to the role.
• Speak to why this firm, not just the job.

Conclusion

A compelling answer demonstrates alignment between your background and their needs. At Circle Square, we coach candidates to tailor these responses to each firm. We gather intelligence on our clients’ priorities—helping you speak their language from day one.

Introduction

Corporate Development (Corp Dev) teams in the UK are increasingly seen as strategic linchpins within organisations. These teams are responsible not just for sourcing and executing deals, but also for integrating acquisitions and aligning them with long-term business strategy. In this blog, we look at how Corp Dev is evolving and how Circle Square can support recruitment in this critical area.

The Current Landscape Corp Dev roles are no longer purely transactional. They involve ongoing engagement with internal stakeholders, post-deal integration, and partnership development. With more firms opting for in-house M&A rather than relying solely on external advisors, the demand for versatile, strategic professionals has never been higher.

Industries such as healthcare, energy, and technology are particularly active, driven by innovation and global expansion. Deal sizes are rising, and internal teams need to be equipped to handle everything from market entry analysis to valuation modelling and synergy tracking.

How Circle Square Can Help Circle Square has extensive experience in placing Corporate Development professionals across FTSE 100 companies, mid-caps, and high-growth enterprises. We understand the unique blend of analytical rigour, commercial insight, and stakeholder management required for these roles.

We help clients hire Heads of Corporate Development, M&A Managers, and Analysts who not only have deal experience but can also think beyond the transaction. Our candidates come from investment banking, strategy consulting, and previous in-house M&A roles. We also support interim needs, helping businesses flex during busy deal cycles.

Conclusion

The strategic role of Corporate Development is growing rapidly in the UK business landscape. Companies need agile thinkers who can align growth ambitions with actionable deals. Circle Square is perfectly positioned to provide that talent, leveraging our sector insights and networks to deliver impactful hiring solutions.

Introduction

Private Equity (PE) in the UK continues to evolve amid a changing economic landscape. While deal volumes have seen a slight dip due to higher interest rates and economic caution, the sector remains buoyant thanks to significant dry powder and strategic dealmaking. In this post, we examine the current PE trends in the UK and how Circle Square plays a vital role in sourcing the right talent for this high-stakes environment.

The Current Landscape UK-based private equity firms are focusing on value creation, bolt-on acquisitions, and portfolio optimisation rather than outsized leveraged buyouts. Mid-cap and lower mid-cap deals are becoming more prevalent, with a sharp focus on operational improvement and digital transformation. Funds are also exploring new sectors such as ESG-led investments, healthcare, and niche manufacturing.

Despite these shifts, competition for high-calibre investment professionals remains fierce. PE firms seek individuals with strong modelling skills, commercial judgement, and the ability to manage deal flow autonomously. The emphasis is not just on transactional ability, but on strategic thinking and long-term value generation.

How Circle Square Can Help Circle Square specialises in Private Equity recruitment, offering both contingent and retained solutions. We support our clients in hiring from Associate to Partner level, as well as operations, value creation, and finance roles within portfolio companies.

Our proprietary market maps, combined with an extensive database of over 30,000 candidates, enable us to present only the most qualified professionals. We leverage our network across investment banks, strategy consulting, and PE funds to identify talent with the right mix of experience and cultural alignment.

We also understand the nuances of PE hiring — from founder-backed businesses to complex international transactions. Our deep market knowledge allows us to offer advice on structuring roles, salary benchmarking, and long-term talent planning.

Conclusion

The UK PE market in 2025 is about precision and patience. With fewer but smarter deals, the talent needed to drive returns is under greater scrutiny. Circle Square's rigorous, research-led approach ensures our clients hire individuals who deliver lasting value. Whether you are a growth investor, a buyout specialist, or a family office, we help build teams that scale deals and businesses alike.

Introduction

Venture Capital (VC) in the UK is undergoing a transformation. While early-stage investments took a hit in recent years, 2025 marks a turning point where VCs are refocusing on fundamentals. This evolution is reshaping both how capital is deployed and what talent is needed. Here, we explore the VC landscape and how Circle Square helps funds and startups hire for growth and agility.

The Current Landscape Post-2020s exuberance has given way to more considered investing. VC firms are now demanding clearer monetisation plans and focusing on metrics like customer acquisition cost, LTV, and burn multiples. Healthtech, fintech, and climate tech are sectors seeing renewed investor interest. The London VC ecosystem remains strong, but is now expanding across regional tech hubs in Manchester, Cambridge, and Bristol.

VCs are also taking more active roles in portfolio management, necessitating hires that combine strategic insight with operational capabilities. From CFOs to go-to-market leads, there's an increasing demand for experienced operators who can navigate growth challenges.

How Circle Square Can Help Circle Square is a key partner to VC funds and their portfolio companies. Our dual focus on investment and operational roles ensures we support both sides of the VC coin. We help firms hire investment professionals with early-stage experience and place seasoned operators into key roles at scaling startups.

Our network includes former founders, consultants, and finance leaders with a passion for innovation. We offer retained and exclusive search models tailored to the pace and culture of venture-backed businesses. We understand the urgency and sensitivity around startup hiring, providing shortlists quickly without compromising on quality.

Conclusion

As UK VC becomes more mature and methodical, the need for high-impact talent grows. Circle Square is embedded in the startup and investment community, allowing us to identify and engage professionals who can thrive in ambiguity and drive scale. Whether you're deploying seed capital or preparing a Series C fundraise, we can help you find the people to grow with you.

Introduction

Private Equity (PE) in the UK continues to evolve amid a changing economic landscape. While deal volumes have seen a slight dip due to higher interest rates and economic caution, the sector remains buoyant thanks to significant dry powder and strategic dealmaking. In this post, we examine the current PE trends in the UK and how Circle Square plays a vital role in sourcing the right talent for this high-stakes environment.

The Current Landscape UK-based private equity firms are focusing on value creation, bolt-on acquisitions, and portfolio optimisation rather than outsized leveraged buyouts. Mid-cap and lower mid-cap deals are becoming more prevalent, with a sharp focus on operational improvement and digital transformation. Funds are also exploring new sectors such as ESG-led investments, healthcare, and niche manufacturing.

Despite these shifts, competition for high-calibre investment professionals remains fierce. PE firms seek individuals with strong modelling skills, commercial judgement, and the ability to manage deal flow autonomously. The emphasis is not just on transactional ability, but on strategic thinking and long-term value generation.

How Circle Square Can Help Circle Square specialises in Private Equity recruitment, offering both contingent and retained solutions. We support our clients in hiring from Associate to Partner level, as well as operations, value creation, and finance roles within portfolio companies.

Our proprietary market maps, combined with an extensive database of over 30,000 candidates, enable us to present only the most qualified professionals. We leverage our network across investment banks, strategy consulting, and PE funds to identify talent with the right mix of experience and cultural alignment.

We also understand the nuances of PE hiring — from founder-backed businesses to complex international transactions. Our deep market knowledge allows us to offer advice on structuring roles, salary benchmarking, and long-term talent planning.

Conclusion

The UK PE market in 2025 is about precision and patience. With fewer but smarter deals, the talent needed to drive returns is under greater scrutiny. Circle Square's rigorous, research-led approach ensures our clients hire individuals who deliver lasting value. Whether you are a growth investor, a buyout specialist, or a family office, we help build teams that scale deals and businesses alike.

Introduction

After a period of uncertainty driven by geopolitical tensions, inflation, and tighter credit conditions, the UK M&A landscape is cautiously rebounding in 2025. While overall deal volumes remain below pre-pandemic peaks, a healthy pipeline of mid-market transactions is driving renewed confidence. This blog explores the current state of the M&A market in the UK and how Circle Square is strategically positioned to support firms in sourcing top-tier M&A talent.

The Current Landscape The UK M&A market is witnessing a strategic pivot. Instead of large, high-leverage deals, companies are opting for value-accretive, synergistic acquisitions. Sectors like technology, energy transition, and healthcare are attracting strong interest, while distressed M&A and turnaround deals are also on the rise. Cross-border activity, especially from US and European acquirers, continues to play a pivotal role, spurred by favourable exchange rates and UK market maturity.

Mid-market deals (typically valued between £50-500m) are now the mainstay of M&A activity. These transactions offer manageable risk profiles and clear value creation pathways, appealing to both strategic acquirers and private equity players. As these deals become more complex, there's an increasing demand for seasoned M&A professionals who can navigate deal structuring, due diligence, and integration.

How Circle Square Can Help At Circle Square, our dedicated M&A recruitment team specialises in connecting firms with professionals who thrive in dynamic, fast-paced environments. We place candidates across the M&A lifecycle, from Analysts and Associates to VPs and MDs. Our network includes talent from top-tier investment banks, boutique advisors, and in-house corporate development teams.

Our boutique nature allows for bespoke search assignments, whether you're scaling a deal team or hiring a strategic Head of M&A. We combine traditional headhunting with data-driven market mapping, giving our clients access to both active and passive candidates. Our understanding of the cultural and technical requirements of M&A roles ensures long-term success and team cohesion.

Conclusion

The UK M&A market in 2025 is defined by resilience, strategic re-alignment, and an emphasis on sustainable growth. With deal complexity on the rise, having the right people in place is more important than ever. Circle Square's industry insight, extensive network, and tailored approach make us a trusted partner for M&A recruitment. Whether you're navigating a buy-side acquisition or expanding your advisory team, we can help you build the right team to deliver results.

Introduction

The tech sector is evolving from “growth at all costs” to “sustainable scale.” As capital becomes more selective, and IPOs are delayed, companies are investing in strategic hires—especially in finance, M&A, and corporate development.

• What’s changing: Finance teams are playing a bigger role in shaping pricing, expansion, and funding strategy.
• Demand profiles: Heads of M&A, Director of Corp Dev, FP&A with modelling and SaaS metrics, investor relations leads.
• Biggest challenge: Competition from Big Tech, PE-backed scaleups, and global funds—all vying for the same hybrid talent.
• Our advantage: We’ve placed CFOs into Series B–E firms, built corp dev teams for unicorns, and understand how to present opportunities that appeal to tech-savvy, growth-focused candidates.

Conclusion
Scaling tech firms need finance and M&A talent that bridges operational know-how with strategic vision. Let Circle Square introduce you to the candidates who can get you there.
???? Contact us now to future-proof your finance function.

Introduction

The UAE continues to attract capital across infrastructure, fintech, energy transition, and sovereign fund-backed private equity. As deal activity grows, so does the need for talent that understands both the regional nuances and international investment standards.

Key hiring trends: The rise of sovereign wealth funds, family offices, and local PE/VC players hiring global talent to scale operations.

Unique challenges: Regulatory navigation, cultural expectations, relocation barriers, and tax/legal structuring.

Most in-demand roles: Investment analysts with Middle East experience, origination professionals for special situations, and fund managers familiar with Sharia-compliant investments.

Why Circle Square is well-placed: With a global database and recent placements in the GCC region, we help clients attract finance professionals who are both technically skilled and culturally aligned.

Conclusion
The UAE investment market offers exciting opportunities—but success depends on securing the right team. Circle Square bridges the global talent pool with regional understanding.
???? Partner with us to make your next strategic hire in the Gulf region.