ivate equity perspective on establishing reliable ABL partnerships
Gibraltar has often talked about the flexibility and creativity of its asset-based loan (ABL). We have also built long-lasting relationships with financial sponsors based on trust, reliability, and transparency into our DNA.
GBC CEO Scott Winicour, who embodies this philosophy, sat with Ari Silverman, Co-Founder, and Partner at Lion Equity to discuss the ways in which their companies have collaborated to solve problems.
Lion Equity Partners has grown with GBC in terms of transaction size collaborations and capabilities. They have partnered in multiple transactions including portfolio acquisitions, refinancing of bank facilities and new portfolios for Lion Equity portfolio companies.
Silverman stated that Gibraltar helped them win and close deals quickly, which was an important part of their corporate-carveout strategies.
“Gibraltar is familiar with our track record of investment and profile. “They have been with us as we’ve grown, and they’ve delivered on our plans for transforming the companies we invest,” he said.
“We have worked together for many years and built a high degree of trust and transparency in both directions. Winicour stated that they had established a way to react to transactions as they develop, while maintaining an open dialogue and providing strategic guidance to ensure deals move forward on schedule.
A recent transaction: Country Life acquisition
Gibraltar supported Lion Equity Partners recently with a $26MM senior loan facility in order to support the purchase of Country Life. This manufacturer and distributor manages brands on the natural vitamin, supplement, and personal care market through three household names: Country Life Vitamins Desert Essence and Biochem Protein. Country Life was purchased from Kikkoman’s subsidiary, which produces the world’s leading soy sauce.
When we are pursuing acquisitions, our competitors compete on the speed and certainty of closing. We needed to work with a partner that we could trust. Gibraltar has proven to be a different lender.
In this case, Lion Equity Partners had to prove that Gibraltar was confident in its ability to help the private equity firm complete the transaction within 24 hours. GBC was able deliver a termsheet within 24.
The Partner You Can Trust in All Situations
Gibraltar has a track record in working with companies when they are in a special situation or deviate from their initial plans and projections.
When we speak to potential borrowers and financial sponsors, we always recommend that they ask prospective creditors what will happen if things don’t go as planned. We’re ready to adapt when projections change. Winicour stated that they have seen time and again how a measured response to fluctuations or performance blips creates a feeling of comfort and reliability for their financial sponsor and borrower partners.
“Gibraltar is a partner that takes the time to build a relationship with you and your team, before, during and after a deal has been completed. Silverman stated that other lenders don’t always show the same level of commitment, or adapt as quickly and smoothly to changes in deal terms. “Gibraltar is always calm and collected, even when things don’t go as planned.”
Gibraltar is proud of its partnerships with private equity firms. Are you interested in learning how we can customize a capital solution to fit your needs and investment goals? Let’s chat today.
