Ares Management Corporation (NYSE:ARES) announced today that funds managed by its Credit Group (collectively "Ares") closed approximately $13.8 billion in U.S. direct lending commitments across 90 transactions during the fourth quarter of 2024 and approximately $48.2 billion in direct lending commitments across 341 transactions in the 12 months ended December 31, 2024.

Haynes Boone is strategically enhancing its Fund Finance and Asset Securitization Practices with the addition of seven attorneys in the firm’s New York office. The attorneys come from Seward & Kissel LLP, including Partner Greg Cioffi, the head of their Asset Securitization and CLO Practice, and Partner Jeff Berman, who had practiced there for over 20 years.

Monroe Capital LLC (“Monroe”) today announced it has expanded its platform to Australia with the appointment of Galen Fu as Director, Business Development. Fu will be based in the firm’s Sydney, Australia office and will be responsible for client servicing and capital raising across Australia.

Stellus Capital Management, LLC ("Stellus") announced today that its affiliates provided senior debt financing and an equity co-investment in support of Palm Peak Capital's ("Palm Peak") acquisition of Pacific Shoring Products, LLC ("Pacific Shoring" or "the Company"), a leading manufacturer of trench safety equipment.

Service Compression, LLC ("Service Compression" or "the Company"), a leading provider of natural gas compression services for exploration and production companies, today announced the upsize of its asset-based loan (ABL) credit facility by approximately 50%, bringing the facility's total commitment to $300 million. The facility, led by J.P. Morgan, reflects the significant market demand and growth momentum the Company has experienced across its operations in 2024.

EB5 Capital, a leading Regional Center operator in the EB-5 industry, announced today that it has secured a $100 million credit facility with EagleBank (NASDAQ: EGBN), one of the largest community banks in the Washington, DC area. This new credit facility, which doubles the firm’s previous $50 million credit line with EagleBank, will significantly enhance EB5 Capital’s ability to remove syndication risk for its sponsors and provide the necessary capital to support future growth.

Comvest Credit Partners, a leading provider of flexible direct financing solutions to middle-market companies, is pleased to announce that it is acting as Joint Lead Arranger on a $325 million senior secured credit facility for Solidcore, a Pilates workout fitness chain based in Rosslyn, Va. The financing supports the acquisition of a majority stake in Solidcore by private equity firm L Catterton.

There were 539 commercial chapter 11 filings recorded in January 2025, a 16 percent increase from the 465 commercial chapter 11s in January 2024, according to data provided by Epiq AACER, the leading provider of U.S. bankruptcy filing data.

Lendscape, a global leader in secured finance technology, today announces a leadership transition as Kevin Day steps down as Chief Executive Officer. Kevin, who has been instrumental in shaping Lendscape into the global leader it is today, will remain with the company as an Executive Advisor and a member of the Board of Directors.

With over two decades of experience in complex commercial transactions and a focus on structured finance and securitization, Paul Cuccurullo has joined Stradley Ronon in the firm’s New York office. He arrives from Evergreen Residential Holdings LLC, a single-family residential (SFR) investment platform, where he most recently served as chief legal officer.

BizCap®, a national commercial finance and advisory firm, today announced that it has successfully structured and secured a $30 Million comprehensive financing package for Conexwest (https://www.conexwest.com), a leading provider of shipping container sales, rentals, and modifications across North America.

Republic Business Credit closed out a dynamic 2024 with a time-sensitive $4,500,000 asset-based loan to an innovative organic clothing manufacturer located in Los Angeles, California. Republic refinanced an existing loan from a private credit fund that decided to focus on larger corporate transactions through its direct lending model.

Concord Financial Advisors, LLC announced it served as Exclusive Financial Advisor for a $7 million senior debt facility for an independent sponsor. The senior cash flow loan for Earth Science, based in Green Bay, WI, will be used to refinance existing debt and support working capital.

NewCo Capital Group has appointed Zalman Blachman, Co-CEO and Co-Founder of Bizcap, as an advisor to support its expansion and strategic growth in specialty financing. With deep expertise in risk assessment, alternative lending, and scaling fintech-driven financial solutions, Blachman's appointment enhances NewCo's ability to meet the evolving needs of small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) worldwide.

Assembled Brands announces the successful closing of a substantial growth line of credit to Mezcla, a New York-based brand revolutionizing the protein bar market with its plant-based, protein-packed snacks. Known for its bold flavors and healthy ingredients, Mezcla has rapidly gained consumer favor and is poised for continued growth and innovation in the snack industry.

SG Credit Partners, through its Commercial Finance division, is excited to announce its partnership with a leading regional off-price apparel retailer. The senior debt investment refinances an existing bank facility to provide enhanced liquidity and covenant flexibility in support of the company’s growth plan.

XS Financial Inc. ("XS Financial" "XS" or the "Company"), an established equipment finance company serving middle-market storied credits, today announced that it has amended and upsized its current $70 million line of credit with Needham Bank ("Credit Facility") to $100 million, with First Citizens Bank participating for $20 million. XS Financial intends to use loan proceeds to fund additional CAPEX and equipment leases with new and existing customers.

Winston & Strawn LLP announced today that Adam Howard has joined the firm’s Transactions Department in London as a partner and co-chair of the UK Capital Markets and Public Company Transactions Practice.

Latham & Watkins LLP1 is pleased to announce that John Sobolewski has joined the firm's New York office as Global Chair of Liability Management and a partner in the capital markets and finance practices. Sobolewski has extensive experience representing sponsors and corporates in their most complex financing and liability management transactions.

TD Bank Group ("TD" or the "Bank") (TSX: TD) today announced changes to its Senior Executive Team. Vladimir (Vlad) Shpilsky will lead Platforms and Technology, effective immediately. He will report to Raymond (Ray) Chun, incoming Group President and Chief Executive Officer, TD Bank Group, and will join the Bank's Senior Executive Team.