Better Choice Company, an animal health and wellness company is proud to announce it has secured a new $12.0 million long-term credit facility at LIBOR plus 250 basis point interest rate with Wintrust Financial Corporation (‘Wintrust’), a leading commercial bank headquartered in Chicago, Illinois. Under the terms of this new agreement, Better Choice will simultaneously refinance all existing indebtedness with Citizens Bank and Bridging Finance, which currently totals approximately $13.3 million.

Horizon Technology Finance Management LLC ("Horizon"), a registered investment advisor that underwrites and manages secured loans made to companies in the technology, life science, healthcare information and services, and sustainability industries, and the manager and advisor for Horizon Technology Finance Corporation (NASDAQ: HRZN), announced today that it has added five finance professionals to its origination and investment team.

DocuSign, Inc. (Nasdaq: DOCU) today announced the closing of a new $500 million, five-year senior secured revolving credit facility. The facility will be undrawn at closing and carries an accordion feature allowing for an additional $250 million of capacity, subject to customary terms and conditions.

Ares Management Corporation (NYSE: ARES) and aviation industry veterans, including Bob Brown, Sean Sullivan and Will Hudson, announced today the launch of Vmo Aircraft Leasing L.P. (“Vmo”), a newly-formed company to acquire and lease commercial aircraft. Funds managed by Ares’ Private Equity Group and Vmo management have committed approximately $500 million in initial equity capital to support Vmo, which will target a global and diversified portfolio of modern, next-generation and efficient commercial aircraft.

Middle-market companies took advantage of newfound clarity in crisis and are poised not just for a return but a renaissance. According to the 2021 BDO Middle Market CFO Outlook Survey, CFOs anticipate the new year will bring recovery and new opportunities. A majority forecast economic recovery (60%) and revenue increases (56%) in 2021. While financial forecasts vary, industries like technology, life sciences and healthcare that helped to power business continuity and advance COVID-19 care are particularly optimistic for growth in 2021.

Sterling Bancorp (NYSE: STL) (the “Company”), parent company of Sterling National Bank (the “Bank”), announced today that Luis Massiani will transition to the role of Chief Operating Officer of the Company and continue his position as President of the Bank. Luis will maintain his duties as CFO of the Company and the Bank through February 28, 2021, at which time he will fully transition to COO of the Company. In connection with Luis’ transition, Bea Ordonez has joined the organization as Executive Vice President and will assume the role of CFO of both the Company and the Bank effective as of March 1, 2021.

Now celebrating its tenth anniversary, Abacus Finance Group, LLC, a leading provider of cash flow-based, classic senior debt for sponsor-led buyouts of companies with $3 million to $15 million in EBITDA, today announced three promotions that are effective immediately: Joseph Lee – from Senior Associate to Vice President Jacob Wise –from Analyst to Associate, and Austin Rendell – from Analyst to Associate

Christopher & Banks disclosed on Thursday a cascade of defaults earlier this month on financial obligations, including key loans and the lease on its headquarters, according to a securities filing. Specifically, the distressed apparel seller said it has received notices of default on a term loan, secured vendor program, credit facility and the lease on its corporate headquarters. The company said it is working with advisers to evaluate the default notices and negotiating with lenders to resolve its outstanding obligations.

UK airline EasyJet announced a new five-year term loan facility of $1.87 billion (c.£1.4 billion) on Friday, which will be secured on aircraft upon drawing. “This facility will significantly extend and improve EasyJet’s debt maturity profile and increase the level of liquidity available,” CEO Johan Lundgren said in a statement. The facility is underwritten by a syndicate of banks and supported by a partial guarantee from UK Export Finance under their Export Development Guarantee scheme, the airline said.

Crestmark secured a total of $9,700,000 in ABL financial solutions for four new clients; Crestmark Equipment Finance provided $25,440,689 in ten new lease transactions; Crestmark Vendor Finance provided $5,792,233 in 65 new lease transactions; and the Government Guaranteed Lending group provided $38,165,000 in financing for eight new clients in the second half of December.

Naprotek, Inc. (“Naprotek” or the “Company”) has secured financing from TCF National Bank (“TCF”) and Patriot Capital, LP (“Patriot”) in connection with its acquisition by Edgewater Capital Partners (“Edgewater”). FocalPoint Partners, LLC (“FocalPoint”) served as financial advisor to Edgewater, providing exclusive buyside and debt advisory service in the process.

Affimed N.V. (Nasdaq: AFMD), a clinical-stage immuno-oncology company committed to giving patients back their innate ability to fight cancer, today announced that it has entered into a debt financing agreement with Silicon Valley Bank German Branch (SVB) which provides Affimed with up to €25 million in term loans.

Porter Capital, a leading provider of accounts receivable financing and asset-based lending solutions for businesses nationwide, has announced it will provide additional funding to businesses in need of more than their current PPP loan offers.

DFG Investment Advisers, Inc., a leading alternative credit investment manager, today announced that it has changed its name to Vibrant Capital Partners, Inc. The new name unifies the firm with its CLO business and several of its investment vehicles, which have operated under the Vibrant brand since 2012. In connection with the renaming, the firm has launched a new website, www.vibrantcapitalpartners.com.

Dwight Funding is pleased to announce that Duy Nguyen has joined the firm as Director of Business Development. In this position, Duy will be responsible for maintaining and strengthening relationships with bank partners, other finance companies, referral sources and clients directly.

Main Street Capital Corporation (NYSE: MAIN) ("Main Street") is pleased to announce that it recently completed a new portfolio investment to facilitate the minority recapitalization of Bolder Panther Group, LLC (the "Company" or "Smoker Friendly"), one of the largest retailers of tobacco products in the United States. Main Street partnered with the Company's senior management team and other existing shareholders to facilitate the transaction, with Main Street funding $51.7 million in a combination of first-lien, senior secured term debt and a direct preferred equity investment.

Moritt Hock & Hamroff has announced that Jill T. Braunstein, formerly counsel of the firm, has been elevated to partner, that Brian P. Boland and Christine H. Price, formerly associates of the firm, have each been elevated to counsel, and that Stephen Breidenbach, formerly an associate of the firm, has been elevated to assistant general counsel-technology, effective January 1, 2021.

Clear Thinking Group LLC is pleased to announce the promotion of Brian Allen to Partner effective immediately. Mr. Allen has over 25 years of experience serving in senior finance positions with both public and private companies. As a consultant for the past thirteen years, Mr. Allen has been engaged by numerous companies in the consumer product, retail, and manufacturing industries to improve financial operations and performance through strategic and financial alternatives.

Coronavirus-driven reduction in demand, and operational and supply chain disruptions, have resulted in a material uptick in bankruptcies and distress in the U.S. automotive industry, according to a new Fitch Ratings report.

eCapital Commercial Finance (“eCapital”), a division of eCapital Corp., a leading North American alternative financing solution provider for small and medium-sized businesses, today announced it delivered over $10 million in additional funding to clients with existing factoring facilities during the COVID-19 pandemic to help them meet demand for products and services. The company leveraged its factoring solutions to support businesses with a diverse range of operations from warehouse support to staffing for healthcare professionals to vaccine preparations.