M&A Off-Cycle Internship – 2026

Who We Are

LABS CF is a leading independent advisory and merchant banking boutique supporting family-owned businesses and institutional investors across a broad range of transactions.

The firm brings together complementary backgrounds and a strong track record built in top-tier investment banks, investment firms, and consulting companies in Italy and abroad. Over the years, LABS has supported local companies across a wide range of industries, partnering with entrepreneurs and family-owned businesses on distinctive assets and strategic opportunities. Alongside its core mid-market focus, LABS brings distinctive strategic angles to leading pan-European private equity funds, enabling the firm to engage in sizeable transactions, typically ranging from 500€m to over 1€bn in valuation.

To date, LABS has advised entrepreneurs and major European private equity funds on more than 45 transactions, with an aggregate enterprise value exceeding 4.5€bn.

The Program

LABS CF is seeking a motivated and high-potential candidate to join its fast-growing advisory team in Milan for an internship starting in Spring 2026, with a clear path toward full-time conversion.

The role offers direct involvement in both origination and execution activities across a diversified range of transactions, working closely with senior professionals in a dynamic and entrepreneurial environment.

The internship program, based in the Milan office and typically lasting six months, is designed to give candidates a comprehensive understanding of the firm's approach, processes, and analytical standards. It provides meaningful exposure to live projects, the opportunity to build strong professional relationships, and substantial hands-on experience across ongoing mandates.

What's Your Role?

• Collect, analyse, rearrange business and financial information related to client/target companies
• Conduct market research and analyse industry trends for business development purposes
• Build financial models and perform valuations using Comparable Multiples, LBO, DCF, etc.
• Participate in deals origination and execution by preparing pitchbooks, teasers and info memos
• Assist senior team members in all the key phases of an M&A process lifecycle
• Interact with clients and counterparties

What Are We Looking For?

The ideal candidate is a highly motivated, committed, and reliable professional, with ability to work in a team, keeping a positive and pro-active attitude, also when under pressure.

The ideal candidate has:

• Previous M&A / Corporate Finance experience gained in top tier Investment Banks or leading Boutiques
• Excellent attention to details, technical, and analytical skills
• Ability to execute and effectively prioritise a variety of tasks and projects simultaneously
• Strong corporate finance, accounting and financial modelling skills: valuation, due diligence, etc.
• Excellent interpersonal and relationship building skills, with the ability to maintain relationship with colleagues and clients at all levels
• Excellent communication and presentation skills
• Motivation to work as a team player and contribute to a positive team culture
• Outstanding academic background: Master's degree in Finance or Business Administration from top-tier Business or Engineering Schools
• Excellent IT skills: Microsoft Office suite, particularly MS Excel and MS PowerPoint
• Fluency in Italian and English

How to Apply?

Applications should be submitted via LinkedIn, including an updated resume.

Candidates must be available for full-time employment starting mid-2026, and the program is open to graduates and final-year students completing their studies in 2026. Please clearly indicate your availability for the internship start date.

Recruiting Process

The selection process is structured in two stages.

The first stage consists of a remote assessment test designed to evaluate core skills relevant to the role, with a focus on synthesis, analytical capabilities, and the ability to present information effectively.

Candidates who successfully pass the assessment will move to the second stage, which includes typically two interviews covering both motivational and technical aspects, exploring knowledge of accounting, valuation, and overall business understanding.