francesca’s®, a specialty retail brand known for its distinctive boutique-style experience, today announced that it has voluntarily filed for protection under Chapter 11 of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the District of New Jersey. The filing is intended to facilitate a court-supervised process to maximize value for stakeholders.

Winston & Strawn LLP today announced the appointment of Brett Johnson as Co-Chair of the firm’s Litigation Department, serving alongside Linda Coberly, who assumed the role in 2024. Together, they will guide the continued growth and strategic direction of the firm’s world-class litigation practice.

AFC today announced that its wholly owned subsidiary TCGDL LLC has closed a $60 million senior secured credit facility to STAT Buyer, LLC, a holding company controlled by Cambridge Capital (“Cambridge”), formed to facilitate the combination of its existing portfolio company STAT with The Moresby Group (“Moresby”).

SLIM Capital LLC (“SLIM”), a nationwide provider of equipment financing and leasing solutions, proudly celebrates its 10-year anniversary in 2026, marking a decade of steady growth, industry innovation, and strong relationships with brokers, vendors, and business owners across the country.

nFusion Capital, a leading provider of financing solutions to small and middle-market businesses, provided a $5 million asset based facility to a Denver-based manufacturer and distributor of smoking accessories such as organizational rolling trays, papers, filters, and premium lifestyle goods.

There were 956 commercial Chapter 11 filings in January 2026, an increase of 76% from the 544 filings registered in January 2025, according to data provided by Epiq AACER, the leading provider of US bankruptcy filing data. The rise in overall commercial Chapter 11 filings is primarily driven by related filings from larger corporate parent companies.

Daniel J. Santaniello, President and CEO of Fidelity Bank, is pleased to announce that Peter A. Gray has joined Fidelity Bank as Executive Vice President, Chief Lending Officer and Market President for the Lehigh Valley.

eCapital Corp. (“eCapital”), a tech-enabled specialty finance provider serving small and midsize businesses across North America and the United Kingdom, has delivered a $17.5 million asset-based lending facility.

Forum Energy Technologies, Inc. (NYSE: FET) announced today it has entered into an amendment to its senior secured asset-based lending credit facility (“Credit Facility”). Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., and Bank of America, N.A., acted as joint lead arrangers and joint book runners. Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, will continue to act as the administrative agent.

Strata Critical Medical, Inc. (Nasdaq: SRTA, “Strata” or the “Company”), a leading provider of logistics and medical services in the organ transplant industry, today announced that the Company has entered into a credit agreement with JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. for secured, asset-based revolving credit loans in aggregate principal amount of up to $30.0 million, which, subject to certain conditions, may be increased up to an aggregate of $50.0 million (the “ABL Facility”).

Tiger Finance has amended its existing credit facility with Southern California-based The Beachbody Company, Inc. (NASDAQ: BODI) (“BODi” or the “Company”) to provide the fitness and nutrition leader with enhanced financial flexibility.

Ares Management Corporation (NYSE:ARES) announced today that Ares Credit funds (collectively "Ares") closed record U.S. direct lending commitments of approximately $19.4 billion across 119 transactions during the fourth quarter of 2025 and approximately $55.0 billion across 358 transactions in the 12 months ended December 31, 2025.

Old Glory Bank, serving customers in all 50 states with its pro-America, FDIC-insured, online banking platform, today announced continued momentum in its small and medium business banking growth, reporting a 10% increase in new business deposit accounts in January 2026.

Holland & Knight has bolstered its national Financial Services Practice Group with the addition of corporate trust partner Adam Jachimowski in New York. Mr. Jachimowski was previously a partner with Troutman Pepper Locke. Mr. Jachimowski represents financial institutions and investment funds serving as trustees, collateral agents, depositaries and escrow agents in a broad range of financing and restructuring transactions.

B. Riley Securities, Inc. announced it served as bookrunner on VSE Corporation’s (“VSE”) (NASDAQ: VSEC) upsized underwritten public equity offerings, consisting of a $750 million common stock follow-on offering and a concurrent $400 million offering of 5.750% tangible equity units, for total gross proceeds of $1.15 billion, excluding overallotments.

A&G Real Estate Partners is now considering offers for 59 Saks OFF 5TH and Last Call locations, providing a strong expansion opportunity for everyone from athletic brands to off-price fashion chains.

Iron Eagle Capital, a boutique capital advisory firm founded by affiliate VRS Restructuring Services, today announced that it has expanded its service offerings beyond distressed situations to provide a full suite of capital advisory services to healthy and growth-stage companies.

RSM US LLP ("RSM") – the leading provider of assurance, tax and consulting services for the middle market – today updated its definition of the U.S. middle market, expanding the segment's revenue range to $30 million–$10 billion to reflect its growing scale, complexity and economic impact.

Latham & Watkins LLP is pleased to announce that Max Silverstein has joined the firm’s New York office as a partner in the Capital Markets Practice. Silverstein has substantial experience representing sponsors, corporates, and credit funds in their most complex financing and liability management transactions. His arrival further enhances Latham’s world-class, fully integrated corporate and finance practice.

This year’s group features lawyers from nine of the firm’s global offices and highlights its deep Texas roots and international reach, with seven of the new counsel based in Dallas, Dallas-North, Fort Worth and Houston. The group also spans major U.S. hubs such as New York, Denver, Northern Virginia and Washington, D.C., as well as London.