Mergers & Acquisitions Senior Associate

Overview

At Franklin Templeton, we foster success through impactful partnerships by building dynamic client relationships, understanding their objectives, and navigating intricate markets collaboratively. As a progressive asset manager, we harness innovative strategies and deep market insights to unlock long-term wealth creation. Our global teams contribute unique expertise within an inclusive and supportive culture, offering employees opportunities for professional growth and client success worldwide.

Franklin Resources, Inc. [NYSE:BEN], operating as Franklin Templeton, is a global investment management firm serving clients across 150+ countries. With specialist investment managers, it provides expertise in equities, fixed income, alternatives, and multi-asset solutions. Headquartered in California, the firm boasts over 75 years of investment experience and approximately $1.7 trillion assets under management as of March 2026.

Its alternatives asset management segment manages $280 billion encompassing Benefit Street Partners (private credit), Clarion Partners (real estate), and Lexington Partners (private equity secondaries and co-investments). Franklin Templeton’s recent acquisitions include Benefit Street Partners (2019), Legg Mason (2020), O’Shaughnessy Asset Management (2021), Lexington Partners and Alcentra (2022), Putnam (2024), Apera (2025), and 250 Digital (2026).

Department and Role

The position belongs to Franklin Templeton’s Mergers & Acquisitions team that reports directly to the Global Treasurer and Head of M&A. This role spans global opportunities across alternative and traditional asset management alongside wealth management. The senior associate plays a key role in driving M&A initiatives and strategic investments.

Key Responsibilities

• Collaborate with senior leaders to identify and implement Franklin Templeton’s global M&A activities, including joint ventures and strategic growth initiatives.
• Develop comprehensive financial models to evaluate M&A transactions, values, returns, operational assumptions, and scenario sensitivities.
• Conduct rigorous financial due diligence encompassing quality-of-earnings analyses, working capital reviews, and operational assessments.
• Prepare thorough investment committee documentation with transaction memos, valuation results, and risk evaluations.
• Analyze industry trends and competitive landscapes to support the formulation of deal theses.
• Lead deal execution activities such as presentations, financial modeling, due diligence efforts, deal structuring, and negotiations.
• Benchmark industry valuations and identify relevant comparable transactions.
• Support post-transaction integration efforts throughout investments, distribution, and corporate functions.

Qualifications and Success Factors

• 3 to 6 years of professional experience in investment banking, corporate development, M&A, or asset management, ideally within financial institutions focusing on asset management.
• Strong track record in executing M&A transactions including end-to-end deal modeling, valuation, and transactional analysis.
• Advanced expertise in Excel-based financial modeling and exceptional PowerPoint presentation skills for senior stakeholders.
• Highly analytical with ability to distill complex financial and strategic data effectively.
• Proficiency in integrating artificial intelligence methodologies to improve analysis, decision-making, and deal execution.
• In-depth knowledge and enthusiasm for global financial markets and investment management.
• Capability to manage multiple complex priorities under tight deadlines in dynamic environments.
• Meticulous attention to detail and commitment to producing accurate, high-quality outputs.
• Excellent written and verbal communication with clarity in explaining intricate concepts.
• Collaborative mindset with ability to work cross-functionally in a team setting.
• Self-driven with entrepreneurial initiative.
• Bachelor’s degree in finance or a related discipline.

Compensation and Benefits

The compensation package includes a base salary estimated between $165,000 and $190,000 annually, complemented by a competitive discretionary bonus. Additional benefits include a 401(k) plan with an 85% company match on contributions (pre-tax and/or Roth), comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance, employee stock investment plan (ESIP) with discounted purchase options, a paid time off allocation of three weeks in the first year, learning and education assistance programs, and opportunities to purchase company funds without sales charges.

Equal Opportunity Commitment

Franklin Templeton is dedicated to providing equal employment opportunities without discrimination based on a wide range of protected characteristics under federal, state, or local laws.