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.

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.

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.

BizCap®, a national commercial finance and advisory firm, today announced it has successfully structured and secured $45 million in financing for its repeat client, Nivagen Pharmaceuticals, a specialty pharmaceuticals company engaged in the development, acquisition and sales of generic prescription drugs and over the counter products for the North American market.

Pinnacle Capital Finance is proud to announce the issuance of a $7.5MM asset-based line of credit to a Central California-based winery. The company offers a wide spectrum of different reds, whites and rose wines. This award-winning winery has many gold medal wines and boasts several 95-point wines as judged by the Wine Enthusiast. Their popular old Zinfandel wine along with their other varietals can be found in grocery stores across the United States as well as in 15 countries.

Winston & Strawn represented Capital Power Corporation, John Hancock Life Insurance Company (U.S.A.), and Manulife Infrastructure Fund II in connection with their acquisition of MCV Holding Company LLC which owns Midland Cogeneration Venture, a 1,633 MW gas fired combined cycle cogeneration facility located in Michigan, from OMERS Infrastructure Management Inc. and its co-investors for $894 million, including the assumption of $521 million of project level debt.

Farmers & Merchants State Bank (“F&M” or “the Company”) (NASDAQ: FMAO) announced the appointment of Eric Faust as the Senior Vice President and Chief Risk Officer (CRO). F&M also announced Benét Rupp, Chief Administrative Officer, has been promoted to Executive Vice President.

Amerisource Business Capital announced the closing and funding of a $2,000,000 equipment term loan facility for a California-based craft beer brewery and distributor.