You are browsing the archive for -.

Avatar of Erin Griffith

by Erin Griffith

Seven New Sources of Deal Finance

Posted on: September 18, 2009 by Erin GriffithNo Comments »

And Amalgamated Capital makes seven. I’ve written so many stories about new lending groups formed to serve the “void” of financing in the middle market, that it’s time to make a list. So I give you, the recent crop of new middle market lenders (please email with any I may have overlooked).

The groups are in various stages of development-some have raised funds, others are seeking to secure credit, and even one is in registration to go public. While they’re getting their ducks in a row, someone (anyone) find them some deals to finance!

1. Sankaty Middle Market Opportunities Fund will invest in middle-market mezzanine loans with some senior debt and equity. More specifically, it would target credit for new buyouts, rescue financings and secondary purchases of mezzanine debt. See related story.

Tags: , , , , , ,

Avatar of Erin Griffith

by Erin Griffith

CastleGuard Partners Wants To Revive Middle Market Lending

Posted on: July 10, 2009 by Erin GriffithNo Comments »

Given the massive layoffs, default spike and deal-making dearth, the term “distressed” doesn’t begin to describe middle-market lending. At this point it’s more like “freefall.”

No one’s experienced that firsthand like Ian Fowler and Chad Blakeman of CastleGuard Partners, a new debt provider based in Chicago. The pair previously co-founded Freeport Financial five years ago with backing from hedge fund Start Investments. After spending months out of the market in 2008, in February Freeport laid off all but around four of its employees, who stayed on board to manage existing investments.

Tags: