TSL Express Daily News

New York, NY, December 16, 2024 – Abacus Finance Group, a leading provider of cash flow-based senior debt and a trusted name in lower middle-market private equity, is proud to announce the receipt of its Small Business Investment Company (SBIC) license and the successful first closing of its inaugural SBIC fund. This significant milestone represents a new chapter for Abacus, solidifying its role as a vital partner for small businesses and an advocate for their economic growth.

The newly licensed SBIC fund will allow Abacus to leverage its expertise in providing flexible financing solutions while expanding its capacity to serve a broader range of entrepreneurial companies, underscoring Abacus’s commitment to fueling innovation, job creation, and sustainable development across the lower middle market.

More than a regulatory milestone, being awarded of its SBIC license is a recognition of the firm’s consistent success in supporting U.S.-based small businesses. The SBA’s SBIC program, a federal initiative designed to stimulate capital investment in small businesses, provides access to government-guaranteed debt capital. With this partnership, Abacus Finance will be able to deploy additional resources, enhancing its ability to back companies in sectors that drive the U.S. economy forward.

“Receiving our SBIC license and holding our first closing of this fund is a testament to both our Total Partnership Approach™ (TPA) and dedication to helping small businesses succeed,” said Tim Clifford, CEO of Abacus Finance Group. “This partnership with the SBA equips us with even greater tools to fuel the growth and resilience of the businesses we serve.” Abacus Finance Group was co-founded in 2011 by Tim Clifford and its COO, Sean McKeever. The firm’s two other partners, Seth Friedman and Eric Petersen, both Managing Directors, provided critical support to the growth of the firm and its future prospects. Other key investment professionals who contributed to making this SBIC license issuance a reality include: Rafal Rydzewski, Joseph Lee, Austin Rendell, Greg Scanlon, Matt Campanella, and Afsheen Ali.

As Abacus embarks on this new chapter, its mission remains unchanged: Count on Us™ to empower businesses with the resources and expertise they need to succeed. With its SBA license in hand, Abacus is set to amplify its impact, delivering on its promise to drive growth in the lower middle market. The fund will continue the firm’s focus on investing in companies with EBITDA ranging from $3 million to $15 million, a critical segment of the market often underserved by traditional financing sources. 

About Abacus Finance Group, LLC

Abacus Finance is a leading direct lending company, focused on providing cash flow senior financing to private equity-sponsored, lower middle-market companies across diverse industries. Since Abacus’s inception in 2011, it has closed over $3.5 billion in financings. The firm targets private debt financing opportunities of up to $60 million and finances companies with EBITDA between $3 million and $15 million. Abacus is an affiliate of New York Private Bank & Trust, which was founded in 1850.

Abacus Finance is located at 6 East 43^rd Street, 12th Floor, New York, NY 10017. All inquiries and new investment opportunities should be directed to Tim Clifford at 212-850-462 or cliffordt@abacusfinance.com. Please visit abacusfinance.com for more information.

Our Total Partnership Approach™ (TPA), a registered trademark of Abacus Finance, LLC, brings together cash-flow financing expertise, deep industry knowledge, a turnaround time of under 72 hours, and exceptional client service over the lifecycle of each investment – all in all, a comprehensive methodology that reflects our emphasis on growing relationships rather than just focusing on the number of transactions. We encourage sponsors to Count on Us™ because of the deep partnerships we forge by going well above and beyond what they traditionally have come to expect. We don’t believe in the phrase “good enough” – we push ourselves to create custom financing solutions specifically tailored for each transaction.