Brazilian planemaker Embraer SA said on Monday it has closed a $650 million revolving credit facility with a group of national and international financial institutions as it looks to reinforce its liquidity for the coming years.

The credit facility was led by PNC Bank, Credit Agricole, Natixis, MUFG and Santander, Embraer said in a statement, adding that it will allow it to regain access to financial resources for three years at pre-negotiated rates, which can be renewed for another two years at the lenders' discretion.

The COVID-19 crisis of 2020, like a stress test for businesses and funders, created a landscape of winners and losers. For those passing the test, there are more lending options and potential buyers as M&A activity begins to sprout.

Some had a good “runway” ahead of the regional lockdowns; they were already digital companies or were well capitalized. Others enjoyed being in high-demand sectors such as groceries, technology, home goods, outdoor products, and delivery transportation.

For those companies that were well positioned or adapted quickly, business growth continues, and for those more challenged due to business restrictions, secured finance has been invaluable, along with government rescue loans. This was a repeated theme throughout the annual SFNet Convention held virtually November 17-19. This article covers many of the 34 presentations on the theme: “This Way Forward.”