William Blair

William Blair & Company is an independent investment bank and asset manager founded in 1935 by William Blair in Chicago. The firm provides comprehensive M&A advisory, equity research, institutional and corporate sales and trading, and asset management services to corporate, institutional, and private wealth clients across North America and internationally. Operating with approximately 1,100 employees across offices in Chicago, New York, Los Angeles, London, and Frankfurt, William Blair remains privately held and employee-owned, ensuring operational independence and alignment with long-term client interests. The firm has built a strong reputation in middle-market and lower mid-market M&A advisory and has successfully maintained independence while the industry consolidated around larger institutions. This independent status, combined with deep client relationships and collaborative culture, enables William Blair to differentiate through personalized service and sustained relationship foc