The Harrison Rush/Fire Drill Weekly Wrap-Up

MARKET UPDATE

U.S. M&A Activity dipped by 1.6% in April (FactSet, 5/21/25); however, Technology Services and Healthcare IT were the two sectors that showed a year-over-year increase.

Don’t Just Sit There—Sell Something

A lack of deal flow can be a scary time for junior bankers who find themselves with nothing to work on. The wise banker will adapt to a changing market. During this period of uncertainty, taking the time to hone business development and marketing skills will ultimately yield significant benefits. Now is the time to sharpen the sales skills. The job of an investment banker changes over time. The banker who can transition from an Excel guru to a marketing phenom is a rare and well-compensated breed. In this market, it's not very smart to sit around waiting to be staffed on deals. This market calls for proactivity, creativity, and flexibility.

Conclusion: Deal Flow May Dip, But Hustle Doesn’t

“Soldier from the wars returning”

By A. E. Housman

Soldier from the wars returning,

Spoiler of the taken town,

Here is ease that asks not earning;

Turn you in and sit you down.

Peace is come and wars are over,

Welcome you and welcome all,

While the charger crops the clover

And his bridle hangs in stall.

Now no more of winters biting,

Filth in trench from fall to spring,

Summers full of sweat and fighting

For the Kesar or the King.

Rest you, charger, rust you, bridle;

Kings and kesars, keep your pay;

Soldier, sit you down and idle

At the inn of night for aye.

Source: Last Poems (1922)

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