Stifel Financial Corp. (NYSE: SF) and Korea Investment & Securities Co., Ltd. (KIS), a subsidiary of Korea Investment Holdings, today announced the formation of a substantial leveraged lending joint venture, SF Credit Partners.

Solifi™, a global fintech software partner for secured finance, announced the release of its latest version of Solifi Wholesale Finance SaaS solution, which includes several new automated features to better manage inventory audits, provide real-time reconfirmation of order commitments, and further streamline transactions.

Wingspire Capital LLC (“Wingspire”) provided a revolving loan facility in concert with a larger asset-based credit facility with WhiteHawk Capital Partners (“WhiteHawk”) to trading card investment platform PWCC Marketplace, LLC and certain affiliates (collectively “PWCC”) to create further liquidity for its expanding commercial financing business.

Provident Financial Services, Inc. (NYSE: PFS) (“Provident”), the parent company of Provident Bank, and Lakeland Bancorp, Inc. (Nasdaq: LBAI) (“Lakeland”), the parent company of Lakeland Bank, today announced that they have entered into a definitive merger agreement pursuant to which the companies will combine in an all-stock merger, valued at approximately $1.3 billion.

Winston & Strawn represented Atlis Motor Vehicles (Atlis), a vertically integrated startup EV technology ecosystem company developing an electric work truck and the batteries to power it, in connection with its application to list on the Nasdaq Exchange.

The PNC Financial Services Group, Inc. ( NYSE: PNC) today announced it has acquired Linga, a point of sale (POS) and payments solutions firm providing an industry-leading, cloud-based restaurant operating system. The acquisition of Linga and its technology will further expand PNC's digital resources and enhance the bank's capabilities to better serve its hospitality and restaurant industry clients.

Portage Point Partners, LLC (Portage Point), an elite boutique business advisory, interim management, investment banking and financial services firm that partners with companies and their stakeholders during periods of growth, complexity, transition and underperformance announced today that Steve Bremer has joined the firm as Managing Director, Investment Banking.

William Blair, the premier global boutique with expertise in investment banking, investment management, and private wealth management, announced today that it has continued its private capital advisory team growth with the addition of Jake Stuiver. Stuiver joins as a director in New York, where he will work on complex limited partner–led secondary transactions.

--inTEST Corporation (NYSE American: INTT), a global supplier of innovative test and process solutions for use in manufacturing and testing in key target markets which include automotive, defense/aerospace, industrial, life sciences, security, and semiconductor, announced today that it has executed an amendment to its loan agreement with M&T Bank to expand the existing non-revolving delayed draw term loan facility by $25.5 million to $50.5 million.

GreenFirst Forest Products Inc. (TSX: GFP) (“GreenFirst” or the “Company”) today announced the closing of $140 million in financing from the Bank of Montreal (“BMO”). The financing includes a $125 million asset-backed revolving credit facility and a $15 million term loan. This refinancing replaced a high yield US$90 million secured term loan and a $65 million asset-backed loan facility.

Just Energy Group Inc. (“Just Energy” or the “Company”) (NEX:JE.H; OTC:JENGQ), a retail provider specializing in electricity and natural gas commodities and bringing energy efficient solutions and renewable energy options to customers, today announced that it voluntarily repaid US$70 million of principal plus accrued interest of the US$125 million debtor-in-possession term loan credit facility (the “DIP Facility”) provided in connection with Just Energy’s Companies’ Creditors Arrangement Act (Canada) (“CCAA”) proceedings commenced on March 9, 2021.

Crescent Energy Company (NYSE: CRGY) ("Crescent" or the "Company") today announced amendments to its revolving credit facility (the “Credit Facility”), effective September 23, 2022. The amendments were recently approved by the 11 member banks supporting the facility and reflect the strength of the business, an outlook for substantial cash flow, growing proved reserves and a strong balance sheet.

Gridiron Capital, LLC (“Gridiron Capital”), an investment firm focused on partnering with founders, entrepreneurs, and management teams, is pleased to announce that Hank Barrett and Kirk Wawrzyniak have been promoted to Senior Associate.

Alterna Capital Solutions (Alterna), a specialty and alternative financing lender to small businesses experiencing growth, announced today the addition of Alexander Douglas as chief experience officer (CXO). Douglas arrives following the firm’s record 2021 where 46 new clients joined the roster, including several start-ups needing an experienced and nimble financing partner.

Austin Financial Services, Inc. (“AFS”), a Los Angeles, CA based provider of asset-based lending solutions to small and medium sized businesses for over 40 years, closed a $115 million debt recapitalization with two lenders, lowering the company’s overall cost of capital. Proceeds from the transaction will be used to refinance existing debt and to support additional growth of the business. Hovde Group, LLC served as the company’s exclusive financial advisor and Buchalter served as legal advisor on the transaction.

BancPlus Corporation, the parent company of BankPlus, announced today a leadership succession plan that positions the Company to continue driving significant growth for its customers, communities, team members, and shareholders.

Brightflow AI, a financial intelligence platform that empowers small businesses to take control of their cash flow and make data-backed decisions, today announced over $19 million in total funding, a $15 million Series A led by Haymaker Ventures, and a previously unannounced $4.2 million Seed round let by Bonfire Ventures. The company also announced $100 million in debt financing available from i80 Group.

Enento Group has today signed a new long-term financing agreement to be used for refinancing of its current financing arrangement. The financing agreement consists of a EUR 150 million long-term loan as well as a EUR 30 million revolving credit facility. The agreement is for three years and includes two one-year options for extension of the loan period.

-Rapid Finance, a market leader in helping small businesses find sustainable and customized financing solutions through a fast and simple application process, announced updates to its corporate branding in response to accelerated company growth and strong industry adoption of its scalable, purpose-built solutions to drive efficient SMB financing and servicing.

First Internet Bank announced today that Will Tinsley has joined its Small Business Administration (SBA) Lending team as Vice President, Senior Business Development Officer. His addition will further bolster First Internet Bank’s national commitment to small business.