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SC&H Capital announced it is expanding its capabilities to service distressed mergers and acquisitions (M&A) by adding seven members of the boutique investment banking firm, Equity Partners, to its investment banking advisory team.

Equity Partners is recognized nationally for its work in distressed M&A and has led and managed more than 600 transactions nationally since its founding in 1988. The Easton, Maryland -based firm will cease operations as members of its team take on key roles at SC&H Capital.

SFNet values its members’ input and feedback as it helps shape priorities and drills down to focus on what matters most. Results from SFNet’s Annual Membership Survey, completed earlier this year, were very positive, with 90% of SFNet members reporting they’d recommend SFNet to friends and colleagues and two thirds reporting SFNet’s response to the pandemic has been better than any other association to which they belong.

In fact, our association has seen our Net Promoter Score (a key measure of loyalty) steadily increase over the past three years, up 37 points since 2018 and well above trade association averages. Results also gave us ideas for areas of improvement, and SFNet is taking on several new initiatives in response to this. This article will break down the membership survey results and what the Association has planned for the remainder of 2021.

Growing firm expands capabilities with a division focused on large deals

Gerber+ provides funding for its first client, Molded Acoustical Products

Gerber Finance, a leading finance partner for companies experiencing accelerated growth, is expanding its portfolio and client offerings with the launch of Gerber+. This new division will service businesses seeking a higher level of funding ranging from $10 to $25 million. Gerber Finance currently focuses on facilities up to $10 million. Gerber is also announcing its first Gerber+ client, Molded Acoustical Products (MAP) of Easton, a full-service insulation manufacturing solutions company.

BHI, a full-service commercial bank led by CEO Gil Karni, announced a restructuring of the bank’s business team to accommodate its current growth, fulfill the execution of BHI’s strategic plan, position the bank for further expansion and reinforce its industry expertise in specific sectors.

John Yoler, Executive Vice President and Division Executive, has been appointed Head of BHI Commercial & Industrial, overseeing BHI’s C&I teams in New York, New Jersey, Florida and California.

Santander Bank today announced that its Commercial Banking division closed a $25 million term-loan facility on behalf of Horizon Group USA. Santander acted as sole lead arranger for the transaction. Horizon Group, headquartered in Warren, New Jersey, is a craft and toy supplier with a customer base that includes major retail chains such as Walmart, Target, Costco, Amazon and Michaels. The financing will help Horizon Group monetize the significant growth in its value over the past few years.

Gordon Brothers, the global advisory, restructuring and investment firm, and Nations Capital Inc. (NCI) have joined forces to expand the firms’ commercial and industrial market presence and serve a broader range of clients with holistic solutions.

Gordon Brothers’ majority investment in NCI will bolster both firms’ existing commercial and industrial capabilities in North America, which include asset-focused solutions across valuations, dispositions, financing and investment.

Wintrust Receivables Finance (WRF) announced the closing of a new $4.5 million accounts receivable line of credit for a growing paper bag manufacturer.

The company’s proprietary technology allows production of paper bags in a greener, more sustainable, and more efficient method. This, coupled with the decline in use of plastic bags due to environmental concerns, had led the company to land a number of new clients in 2020. The line of credit provided by WRF will fund the company’s growing working capital financing needs as it expects exponential growth over the next three years.

Jones Day partners provide details on a cross-border restructuring case over many foreign and U.S. jurisdictions.

As of March 31, 2020,  the US Treasury Department has issued the application form and other guidance in connection with the Paycheck Protection Program which can be found on its website:  https://home.treasury.gov/cares

The materials on the website include:

●  Paycheck Protection Program Overview
●  Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) Information Sheet: Lenders
●  Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) Information Sheet: Borrowers
●  Paycheck Protection Loan Program application
●  Paycheck Protection Program – Interim Final Rule

JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. acted as sole global coordinator for the marketing of the Term Loan Facility. PJT Partners is serving as independent financial advisor to the Company.

Mac Fowle is the global head of Asset-Based Lending (ABL) for J.P. Morgan Commercial Banking. He is responsible for the end-to-end strategic leadership of the ABL group in supporting the financing needs for clients across Commercial Banking and the Corporate & Investment Bank (CIB).

The third quarter saw continued confidence in the asset-based lending market, according to data released by the Secured Finance Network, and that was welcome news as the country wrestles with inflation, rising interest rates and a slowed economy.

SFNet surveyed bank and non-bank asset-based lenders (ABLs) on key indicators for its quarterly Asset-Based Lending Index and SFNet Confidence Index.  

“Despite the challenges, the asset-based lending industry remains on solid footing,” said SFNet CEO Richard D. Gumbrecht. “Portfolio performance is strong by historical standards, commitments are up, and lenders anticipate strong demand. Overall, the industry is decently-positioned to weather worsening business conditions and a potential recession.”

The thing I love most about stoicism is the ability to combine its philosophy at work and home.  Most people, myself included, do not truly look at themselves dispassionately in either setting.  We are great, we are smart, we are everything someone should be and capable of everything; until we are not.  I experience this recently when I had to look deep inside myself and acknowledge that like all people, I am flawed and have weaknesses.  Most people overestimate their skills while failing to give themselves credit for what they are really great at.  When you truly understand who you are, you will be better at every aspect of your job.  What does this have to do with lending, you might ask; patience is another stoic virtue.

What’s it like to be a woman executive in a historically male-dominated industry?  What do you wish you knew when you were 30?  Young professionals had the chance to listen to top women executives in the ABL industry offer advice on career moves, leadership, diversity, and more at the SFNet’s YoPro Leadership Summit held in Chicago, IL on August 28^th.