Byron Stafford, a professional Asset Manager who provides institutional and individual investors with a broad array of equity and fixed income products designed to meet long-term goals, today announced that it has added private equity to its growing stable of alternative offerings for clients.

Standard & Poors Corp. lowering its debt ratings on J.C. Penney Corp. Inc. due to continued revenue declines and the increasing likelihood that they’ll have to pursue a distressed debt exchange.

Avidbank Holdings, Inc., (OTC Pink: AVBH), a bank holding company and the parent company of Avidbank, announced today that Gina Thoma Peterson will join the Bank as Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer.

Ultimate Finance is to withdraw from the unsecured loan market to concentrate on further investment in asset-based solutions.

Celtic Capital Corporation today announced its most recent new client relationship – a California-based Company that conducts telephone and mail solicitation for 501-C3 charitable organizations or political organizations.

Byline Bank Sponsor Finance ("BSF") announced that it has provided revolver and term credit facilities to finance Kian Capital’s recapitalization of The Eastwood Company (“Eastwood”). BSF was represented by Duane Morris, LLP.

Bibby Financial Services (BFS) has increased Veenak International’s asset funding package to £10m, which will allow the healthcare wholesaler to expand its product offering.

With the latest round of tariffs on a wide swath of goods from China set to hit Sunday, the head of a major trade association representing the apparel and footwear industry is warning the United States is fast approaching “retail Armageddon.”

Tradewind has closed a $2 million export factoring facility for an electronics company based in Hong Kong that sells items such as smart watches, smart bands, and tablets to traders and retailers globally.

We are pleased to announce that Hovde’s client, Omaha, NE-based Foley Business Capital (“FBC”), a subsidiary of Foley Holdings (“Foley”), has announced its sale to Memphis, TN-based Vero Business Capital, LLC (“Vero”), a portfolio company of SouthWorth Capital Management (“SouthWorth”).

Terese L. Arenth, a partner in the Garden City law firm of Moritt Hock & Hamroff LLP, was recently appointed by the American Bar Association (ABA) to serve as Vice-Chair of its Promotion & Marketing Law Committee of the ABA Section of Intellectual Property.

People's United Bank, N.A., a subsidiary of People's United Financial, Inc. (NASDAQ: PBCT), announced its Healthcare Finance and Capital Markets Divisions provided a $92 million Credit Facility to MidCap Financial ("MidCap"), a middle market-focused, specialty finance firm that provides senior debt solutions to companies across all industries.

Sallyport Commercial Finance assembles a $250,000 Accounts Receivable facility to a commercial home care agency.

White Oak Commercial Finance announced today the origination of a new revolving credit facility to healthy meal service company The Good Kitchen.

Capital One announced today that it served as the sole lead arranger and administrative agent for a senior secured credit facility for Nova Medical Centers, an occupational medicine provider with 50 locations in Texas, Georgia, Tennessee and Indiana.

Liberty Tax today announced that they have entered into a definitive purchase agreement whereby Liberty Tax will acquire Sears Hometown's Outlet business as well as its Buddy's Home Furnishings Stores in an all cash transaction valued at up to approximately $132.9 million.

Equity Partners (RLH) is pleased to announce that Ryan Smiley has become a Managing Director of the firm.

Byron Stafford today announced that David Din Hwa, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Top Investment Bank, has joined the Company's Board of Directors.

Sidley Austin LLP is pleased to announce that Derek Zaba has joined the firm. He will be a partner in Sidley’s global M&A and Private Equity group and co-leader of the shareholder activism practice. A highly regarded shareholder activism defense adviser, Mr. Zaba is joining Sidley in Northern California from PJT Camberview Partners, a leading provider of investor-led advice to public companies.