White-Shoe Firm

Filed Under » ,
Dictionary Says

Definition of 'White-Shoe Firm'

The most prestigious firms in professions such as law, investment banking and management consulting. White-shoe firms typically have a blue-chip clientele, acquired over the several decades that they have been in existence. The term is believed to have been derived from the "white buck" suede oxford shoes that were popular among certain sections of the student population at Yale and other Ivy League colleges during the 1950s. Although the term initially referred to leading U.S. firms such as J.P. Morgan or Goldman Sachs (banking), Cravath, Swaine & Moore (law) and McKinsey (management consulting), its usage has expanded to denote top-tier firms in most countries.
Investopedia Says

Investopedia explains 'White-Shoe Firm'

Although white-shoe U.S. firms in relatively stable businesses such as law and management consulting have managed to thrive over the decades, those in the investment banking business have struggled to retain their independence in the face of sweeping change and challenges in recent years. Over the year, a number of white-shoe investment banking firms in the U.S. have been acquired by bigger rivals - thereby becoming victims of their own success - while a few others have gone out of business.

Related Definitions

  • Broker-Dealer

    A person or firm in the business of buying and selling securities operating as both a broker and a dealer depending on the transaction.
    Read More »
  • White Squire

    Very similar to a "white knight", but instead of purchasing a majority interest, the squire purchases a lesser interest in the target firm.
    Read More »
  • White Knight

    A company that makes a friendly takeover offer to a target company that is being faced with a hostile takeover from a separate party.
    Read More »
    • Saturday Night Special

      An obsolete takeover strategy where one company attempted a takeover of another company by making a sudden public tender offer, usually over the weekend. This merger and acquisition ...
      Read More »
    • Black Knight

      A company that makes a hostile takeover offer for a target company. In mergers and acquisitions, a black knight attempts a takeover that the target company deems unwelcomed. When a ...
      Read More »
    • Shark Repellent

      Slang term for any one of a number of measures taken by a company to fend off an unwanted or hostile takeover attempt. In many cases, a company will make special amendments to its ...
      Read More »
    • Pac Man

      A form of defense used in a hostile takeover situation. The target firm turns around and tries to take over the company that has made the hostile bid.
      Read More »
    • Safe Harbor

      1. A legal provision to reduce or eliminate liability as long as good faith is demonstrated. 2. A form of shark repellent implemented by a target company acquiring a business that is so ...
      Read More »
    • Shark Watcher

      A firm specializing in the early detection of takeovers. The firm's primary business is usually the solicitation of proxies for client corporations.
      Read More »

Articles Of Interest

Partner Links