Middle market private companies in the Golub Capital Altman Index experienced year-over-year earnings growth of 11% and revenue growth of 11% during the first two months of the first quarter of 2023.

U.S. Bank announced several changes to its executive leadership team today to succeed two leaders who are leaving the company this summer.

Thompson Coburn is thrilled to announce that Chicago partner Diona Rogers has been named a winner of the 2023 SFNet 40 Under 40 Awards. The SFNet 40 Under 40 Awards launched in 2016 to celebrate the achievements of young professionals in the secured finance industry. Recipients of the honor are recognized as the "future leaders who exemplify true excellence in their careers and demonstrate commitment to their communities as well as to the industry."

Blank Rome partner Mirlande Telfort was named a 40 Under 40 2023 award recipient by the Secured Finance Network ("SFNet"). In receiving this award, Mirlande joins fellow Blank Rome attorneys Jillian Zvolensky, Samir Ahuja, Shadi Enos Jahangir, Heather Sonnenberg, and Kevin O’Malley, who are all past 40 Under 40 honorees and were recognized as the “future of the secured finance community.”

On April 18 Tiger Group will conduct an online auction offering a wide array of professional entertainment production gear from the rental inventories of North American leader PRG. ​ The sale includes more than 600 lots of digital cameras, lenses, audio, speakers, LED walls, projectors, monitors and gear accessories.

Monroe Capital LLC announced it acted as administrative agent and joint lead arranger on the funding of a senior credit facility to support the acquisition of Medusind by private equity sponsor Alpine Investors.

Citizens Financial Group, Inc. (NYSE: CFG) today announced that Richard Stein will assume the role of Chief Risk Officer upon the retirement of Malcolm Griggs in the first quarter of 2024. Upon assuming the CRO role, Mr. Stein will report to Bruce Van Saun, Chairman and CEO, and serve on the bank’s Executive Committee.

Steady confidence in the asset-based lending market marked the fourth quarter, according to data released by the Secured Finance Network. Lenders maintained a positive outlook despite persistent inflation and rising interest rates. SFNet surveyed bank and non-bank asset-based lenders (ABLs) on key indicators for its quarterly Asset-Based Lending Index and SFNet Confidence Index.

Ready Capital Corporation announced today that as of the first quarter of 2023, it exceeded $10 billion in bridge originations, comprising over 500 loans, since the launch of its bridge program in 2015.

Continuing its expansion with hands-on experienced process improvement experts, Susan Stanley has been named Associate Director of Hilco Performance Solutions (HPS), a management consulting firm that consists of operational and financial experts in the areas of Manufacturing, Supply Chain, Sales & Customer Experience, Organizational Design, and M&A. An operating company of Hilco Global, HPS helps clients simplify and streamline business processes and improve operational efficiencies.

Blue Owl Capital Inc. ("Blue Owl") (NYSE:OWL) today announced the launch of its Strategic Equity Strategy with the hiring of Chris Crampton as a Managing Director. Crampton brings nearly two decades of experience as a private markets investor, having previously served as a Partner and Head of Services and Industrials private equity investing within the Merchant Banking and Asset Management Divisions of Goldman Sachs.

Gridiron Capital, LLC (“Gridiron Capital”), an investment firm focused on partnering with founders, entrepreneurs, and management teams, is pleased to announce that Sean Crane has joined the team as Gridiron’s newest Operating Partner. Crane’s 28 years of experience as a seasoned executive will further strengthen Gridiron’s Centers of Excellence capabilities and add value to the firm’s Thematic Areas of Expertise sourcing strategy.

A designer, manufacturer and wholesaler of missy and junior women’s clothes needed a partner — and fast — to meet the shipping needs of its spring and summer collections. The company turned to Republic Business Credit to stitch together the necessary financing.

Second Avenue Capital Partners (SACP), a best-in-class alternative to traditional sources of capital, announced the completion of three recent transactions in the furniture, home furnishings, and beauty sectors. The new financing arrangements include a $10 million credit facility for a growing RTA furniture manufacturer, a $25 million term loan for a national retailer of home goods, and a $10 million credit facility for a beauty brand developer.

Armory Securities, LLC is pleased to announce that the assets of O Olive & Vinegar have been sold to Colavita. The transaction closed in April 2023. Armory served as exclusive M&A advisor to Lifecore for the transaction. O Olive & Vinegar is a leading artisanal varietal wine vinegar and California organic extra virgin olive oil brand.

Great Rock Capital, an asset-focused commercial finance company specializing in middle market lending, today announced that it has provided $45 million of liquidity through a senior secured credit facility to an internationally recognized cosmetics company.

Cambridge Savings Bank (CSB), a full-service mutual bank with a customer-first approach and over $6 billion in assets, today announced that it has provided $15.3 million in financing to ROC USA® since 2021. Headquartered in Concord, NH, ROC USA is a nonprofit organization on a mission to make quality resident ownership viable nationwide and to expand economic opportunities for homeowners in manufactured (mobile) home communities.

Georgia Banking Company (GBC), a leading Atlanta-based community bank, announced today the establishment of its new Payments & Technology Banking Group to cater to the complex payment needs of businesses. The new group will provide high-volume payments, complex treasury solutions, technology partnership and other corporate banking services.

Culain Capital Funding LLC, a specialty finance firm focusing on responsive and efficient funding solutions for small and medium sized businesses in the United States announces the completion of a $2,000,000 Accounts Receivable Factoring Facility with a Specialized Healthcare Solutions Company.

Continuing its expansion with hands-on experienced process improvement experts, Susan Stanley has been named Associate Director of Hilco Performance Solutions (HPS), a management consulting firm that consists of operational and financial experts in the areas of Manufacturing, Supply Chain, Sales & Customer Experience, Organizational Design, and M&A.