08/11/2019 - Employee case studies

Chris Jordan

I am currently a Senior Associate in Clearwater’s Dublin office and I joined Clearwater in 2016 from PwC Corporate Finance. Due to the local market dynamics, the Dublin office is a sector agnostic practice, and we often draw on our international colleagues’ sector-specific expertise.

Why did you join Clearwater International and what keeps you here?

I joined Clearwater International for several reasons.

The entrepreneurial nature of the firm coupled with global reach and close relationships with our international colleagues is something I believe is unique to the firm. The focus on cross-border collaboration and transactions is strong, and I have had the opportunity to work on international teams a number of times. This collaboration is reinforced by regular conference calls and an annual team conference.

The Partners in the firm give you every opportunity to grow and develop with expert guidance and excellent client exposure. I have always felt that the Partners are invested in my progression and will push you to fulfil your potential.

It is also a privilege to work with high-performing clients during what can be a transformational time for their businesses.

What are your main responsibilities?

My responsibilities are varied and often change depending on the stage of a particular transaction. My day could involve pitching for new business, drafting deal marketing documents, managing diligence streams, calls with clients and potential buyers, building financial models, or conducting sector research.

The varied nature of the work across diverse businesses and clients is challenging but highly rewarding.

What is the highlight of your time with Clearwater International?

I have had many highlights during my time with Clearwater International, and I have been lucky to work with exceptional clients and private equity funds.

Last year the Irish team advised the KN Group on a cross-border merger with Circet backed by private equity fund Advent International. The merger created the largest telecommunications contractor operating in the European market with combined revenues of over €1.1bn.

The transaction was one of the largest private M&A deals in the Irish market in 2018, and the opportunity to work closely with the executive management teams of KN and Circet and Advent International’s Paris team was an unparallel experience.

How have you developed since joining the business?

I believe I have developed rapidly during my time with Clearwater International. Working closely with local and international Partners/Directors in lean deal teams with a large degree of responsibility has been instrumental in my personal and professional development. Learning and development is also a focal point of the business, and there are many formal and informal resources to support individual and team goals further.

Why is CWI a great place to work?

For me, Clearwater International’s cultural values of being Personable, Adaptable and Committed demonstrate why Clearwater is a great place to work. The values are embedded in the firm across all international offices.

The firm has a flat structure where everyone is approachable and makes time to support one another. This personability translates across our international offices and further supports our close relationships with clients and colleagues.

We work hard to achieve excellent results for clients, and our commitment to a high-performance culture drives these results. The path to a successful outcome is never a straight line, and the firm’s ability to adapt and react positively to adversity and change contributes to a positive and inspiring work environment.