Which role do investment bankers usually play in mergers and acquisitions?

Investment bankers primarily serve as advisors in the mergers and acquisitions (M&A) process. Their role includes offering valuation services, which help determine the fair market value of a target company, and advising clients on the financial aspects of the deal. This may encompass assessing potential synergies, negotiating terms, and structuring the transaction. Investment bankers leverage their expertise, industry insights, and analytical skills to guide their clients, ensuring that they make informed decisions during the M&A process.

While the other choices involve important business activities, they do not align with the core functions of investment bankers in an M&A context. Legal audits are typically handled by lawyers, recruitment services are the domain of human resources professionals, and market research for product launches falls under marketing analysts. Therefore, the role of offering valuation and advisory services clearly distinguishes investment bankers as crucial players in the M&A field.