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Leveraged Finance

Leveraged finance and debt capital market expertise for issuers seeking to make acquisitions, finance growth, provide shareholder liquidity, or otherwise optimize their capital structure.

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How We Can Help You

William Blair's Leveraged Finance Group is a team of dedicated debt advisory bankers focused on delivering an optimal financing outcome for each client’s specific situation. We provide conflict-free advisory and arrangement services for middle-market companies across a wide range of industries and transaction types. Whether the objective is to finance an acquisition, refinance an existing facility, support growth with additional capital, or provide liquidity to existing shareholders, our team leverages a broad lender network to deliver the best financing solution available in the market. These relationships, along with our group’s extensive experience and proprietary 360° view of the leveraged finance market, allow us to provide our clients with a full menu of product options, including:

  • Senior bank debt
  • Leveraged loans
  • Unitranche facilities
  • Second-lien and subordinated debt
  • Late-stage or venture debt
  • Structured equity

Insights From the Front Lines

  • Leveraged Finance Newsletter—Unmasking M&A Activity

    Left for dead for nearly two years, the M&A leveraged loan market came back to life in the third quarter, with the Fed’s first interest rate cut in years opening the door for a wave of activity.

    Read more
  • Lenders Eyeing Opportunistic Transactions; Borrowers Should Take Note

    A strong rebound in U.S. leveraged loan volume has lenders pivoting to opportunistic transactions—meaning that now is a great time for borrowers to consider refinancing existing debt or returning capital to shareholders.

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  • Refinancings Headline at ‘Loan-a-Palooza’

    After a hot start to the year, the leveraged loan market sparked a heat wave just in time for summer with volumes climbing to near-record levels.

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  • Leverage Loan Volume in Q1 Eclipses 2023

    Q1 institutional loan volume hit its highest total since 2021, revitalizing leveraged finance markets after a humdrum 2023. With higher deal volume, anticipated rate cuts, and a more encouraging economic outlook, lenders are optimistic about the remainder of 2024.

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Enhancing Results With a Buy-Side Debt Advisor

Buy-side financing has become increasingly complex, with direct lending dominating middle-market leveraged buyouts and acquisitions. New lenders and strategies have emerged, while investment committees have become fickle and are frequently deterred by complex credit stories.

Using “Pre-Cap” Transactions to Optimize M&A Outcomes

William Blair’s Darren Bank discusses the benefits of pre-caps, why these transactions should be considered, and how William Blair can optimize these outcomes.

Selected Transactions

  • Not Disclosed

    has acquired a majority stake in

    July 2024

    William Blair acted as the exclusive financial advisor to Novo Holdings in connection with its pending majority stake acquisition of Single Use Support.

    Read more
  • Not Disclosed

    Senior Secured Credit Facilities Preferred Equity

    June 2024

  • $75,000,000

    Senior Secured
    Credit Facility

    May 2024

  • Not Disclosed

    Senior Secured Credit Facility

    April 2024

  • $180,000,000

    Senior Secured Credit Facility

    March 2024

  • Not Disclosed

    Debt Placement

    December 2023

  • $165,000,000

    Unitranche Credit Facility

    April 2023

  • Not Disclosed

    Senior Secured Credit Facility Preferred Equity

    April 2023

    William Blair acted as the exclusive financial advisor to Amino Health in arranging debt and equity capital to refinance its existing indebtedness and support its continued growth.

    Read more

For More Information

Please contact a member of the leveraged finance team.

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Information contained on the internet is not subject to William Blair & Company's control or review, and may not be accurate.

For disclosure information, please visit www.williamblair.com/disclosures