7 Nov 2024
Leading specialist asset-based lender, BZ, has launched a new International Strategy with a key focus on the delivery of multi-jurisdictional and non-UK lending opportunities. The move builds upon its recent international lending success stories and expands its potential by providing international borrowers with debt solutions from £20m to £150m.
BZ has a long and successful history in delivering innovative debt solutions for sponsor-backed and privately-owned businesses. Being able to provide non-asset backed cash flow loans in addition to ABL facilities has been a key differentiator in the market, particularly in M&A scenarios where sponsors are seeking increased headroom in facilities.
In recent years, BZ has led the way in providing genuinely multi-jurisdictional solutions that incorporate overseas borrowers. A notable recent deal example includes the completion of an £80 million asset-based lending facility in support of Endless LLP’s acquisition of ASCO, which has borrowers in UK, Norway and Canada.
BZ’s new International Strategy builds upon this track record to provide flexible solutions to more advisors and borrowers outside of the UK. With M&A activity starting to increase and interest rates beginning to fall, non-bank lending continues to be popular around the world. These dynamics are expected to result in increased opportunities to deploy debt to ambitious borrowers. BZ’s strong record of maximising certainty and minimising execution risk leaves it perfectly positioned to service the wider European market and beyond.
Ben Milner, Regional Managing Director, said:
“Based on our success in recent years with deals such as Minova, Cooper Turner Beck and CHC Helicopter, we believe there is fantastic opportunity for us to ensure that our flexible funding structures are available across more regions. With our ability to work collaboratively with private equity, advisors and borrowers, we see no reason why our international client base can’t equal our UK client base within 3 years.”
Annabel Todd, Regional Director, added:
“It’s really exciting to be expanding internationally with our situation and sector agnostic approach to deals, while continuing to support deal activity across the UK. We see our international expansion as an important market disrupter as M&A activity resurges across all regions. As the direct lending market starts to emerge in other countries we want to take this opportunity to grow our presence and deliver solutions globally.”
