About this template
The Onyx template is a senior letter on near-black paper with bone-white Garamond typography and a single warm bronze accent rule. The dark stock evokes after-hours diplomacy or private-equity correspondence — confidential by visual default. Compatible with the ATS systems of private-equity GPs and special-situations funds (Workday at Apollo Global Management, Oaktree Capital, Cerberus, Lone Star Funds, Centerbridge Partners; Greenhouse at PJT Partners, Houlihan Lokey, Moelis & Co restructuring).
Who is it for?
It suits senior executives applying to private-equity GPs, special-situations funds, restructuring firms (Alvarez & Marsal, AlixPartners, FTI Consulting, McKinsey RTS), hostile M&A teams and confidential-mandate practices. Senior dealmakers, restructuring partners, special-situations analysts and discreet advisory leaders. Out of place in lightly-toned sectors like edtech, youth brands, family services and consumer-facing contexts.
How to use it
The black background requires thick stock at print time (160 gsm minimum) to prevent show-through. On screen, the PDF is calibrated in RGB to avoid the "tinted-screen" effect. The bronze rule must never exceed 0.5 pt and stays beneath the header, no second occurrence. The hook enters the subject without preamble: "As a former restructuring partner at [firm], I propose my competencies on the [sector] mandate". Paragraph 2 cites a quantified intervention — enterprise value of the deal, duration, recovery rate.
Frequently asked questions
Is the letter suitable for vulture funds or distressed-debt practices?
Yes for Oaktree, Cerberus, Apollo Hybrid Value, Lone Star, Centerbridge — which appreciate the confidential onyx register. Mention your distressed-debt experience in Europe (Spain, Italy post-2010, Greece) or US (energy distressed 2020-2023) in paragraph 2.
Should I name restructuring deals?
Describe the engagement by its scope without naming the debtor: "Restructuring of a premium automotive OEM, EV EUR 2.3B, recovery rate 67% on senior debt". The market recognises deals by technical characteristics without needing the client name.
Is it suitable for a hostile-M&A application?
Yes for advisory boutiques like Centerview Partners, PJT Partners, Moelis & Co — which act on anti-takeover defence. The onyx register immediately signals the confidential-by-default posture these mandates require. For bulge-bracket friendly M&A, choose letter-exec-meridian.
