We believe sound ESG practices have the potential to improve performance while promoting a positive impact on society and the greater environment. We embrace and integrate ESG factors into our investment strategy and believe doing so enhances our ability to build better businesses and create value. Founded in 1985 and headquartered in Milwaukee, WI, Engine & Transmission Exchange is a leading independent remanufacturer of aftermarket vehicle transmissions and other automotive aftermarket repair and replacement parts. ETE offers a number of complementary services, including transmission repair, engine and transfer case repair and replacement, and servicing of torque convertors. With a legacy spanning over 35 years, the Company’s proven remanufacturing process returns used transmissions to “new” or “better-than-new” condition by using reclaimed and re-machined components.
Heightened interest in mezzanine financing similarly suggests sponsors have a desire to turn back the clock. In Plovdiv, Bulgaria, the local laws governing Debt & Collection include the Bulgarian Debt Collection Act, which outlines the procedures for debt collection and the rights of creditors and debtors. It is essential to familiarize yourself with these laws to protect your rights and interests when dealing with debt-related matters.
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He is responsible for originating and executing new investments and monitoring portfolio companies. Adam is a Managing Director at Audax Private Debt, overseeing our unitranche and junior debt investment teams. Steve is the Co-Head of Originated Debt at Audax Private Debt, overseeing Mary Hoover Drucker our unitranche and junior debt investment teams. Over the last 24 years, we have raised around $31 billion of capital across our senior debt, unitranche, and junior debt strategies to provide financing solutions for middle market, private equity-backed companies.
In a high interest rate environment, some borrowers may struggle to maintain adequate FCCR and interest-coverage ratios. Mezzanine’s ability to allow for PIK-interest payments improves the ability of borrowers to cover their current cash interest and fixed charges. Given heightened base rates, the cash interest rate for mezzanine tranches is often lower than unitranche and sometimes lower than senior debt cash interest rates. In this sense, mezzanine structures can preserve cashflow during windows when liquidity dries up. Kevin is responsible for overseeing all facets of Audax’ debt business, including origination, underwriting, and portfolio management as well as setting the business’ strategic direction.
Even as all-senior financing structures and unitranche facilities have become more common, mezzanine remains critical within the capital structures of sponsor-backed companies. For instance, despite the appearance of one legal document, some historical unitranche facilities were, at times, carved up into first-out/last-out positions via a separate lender agreement. More recently, mezzanine funds have generally had flexibility to invest in traditional unsecured notes, second lien loans, holdco PIK notes, and preferred and common equity. Adam joined Audax in 2000 and has since invested in 40 platform companies across healthcare, consumer, and software/technology sectors. Prior to joining Audax, Adam was with the private equity firm Thomas H. Lee Partners, where he focused on leverage buyouts across a number of industries.
Solid relationships and flexible solutions are key to private debt’s ongoing success in the PE mid-market, says Audax Private Debt president Kevin Magid. Our team is collaborative, experienced, and has built lasting relationships, establishing Audax Private Debt as a trusted name in the U.S. middle market. Chelsea is a Principal at Audax Private Debt, overseeing portfolio management for our Originated Debt platform. Prior to joining Audax in 2009, Alex was a Manager of Business Development at Arrowstreet Capital, where he built relationships with institutional investors on a global basis. Prior to Arrowstreet, Alex was a Principal at Hamersley Partners, where he helped emerging managers raise capital.
Pieter is a Vice President at Audax Private Debt, and a member of our senior debt investment team. John is a Vice President at Audax Private Debt, and a member of our senior debt investment team. Ludwig is a Principal at Audax Private Debt, and a member of our senior debt investment team.
Sydney is a Principal at Audax Private Debt, and a member of our unitranche and junior debt investment teams. Colleen is a Managing Director at Audax Private Debt, and a member of our senior debt investment team. Dinko is a Managing Director at Audax Private Debt, and a member of our senior debt investment team. Tom Noto is a Managing Director at Audax Private Debt, and a member of our senior debt investment team.
Rob is a Principal at Audax Private Debt, and a member of our senior debt investment team. Even in benign environments, mezzanine debt holds unique appeal, with attributes that senior-only facilities don’t provide. Mezzanine, today, is being used by sponsors not just for new platform financing arrangements but also portfolio company expansion, when sponsors need to fund M&A but are reluctant to reprice existing credit facilities at today’s higher rates. Tim is an Analyst at Audax Private Debt, and a member of our senior debt investment team.
As our investment operations and businesses have scaled, our dedication to this segment remains unchanged, creating a competitive advantage and edge to source, support, and help grow middle market companies. The demand for mezzanine today, from borrowers as well as other lenders, is fuelled by the flexibility this form of financing provides. Borrowers can attach mezzanine facilities behind various senior debt levels and ultimately utilise more leverage than all-senior deals.
This has translated into widening spreads for unitranche loans and LBO leverage levels generally trending lower. A few significant differences distinguish the gravitation to mezzanine debt from other fashion trends. The surge in interest is an outgrowth of more fundamental drivers, ranging from escalating interest rates to the ongoing retrenchment of “traditional” bank lenders. Also, while vinyl records have been collecting dust, mezzanine financing never went away.
He was previously employed at Drexel Burnham Lambert and Donaldson, Lufkin & Jenrette, where he began his career and focused on leveraged finance. Marc Wolpow is Co-Chief Executive Officer and Co-Founder of Audax Group and Executive Chairman of Audax Private Debt. Along with his business partner, Geoff Rehnert, Mr. Wolpow manages the firm and has overseen all phases of Audax Group’s development since its founding in 1999. Prior to starting Audax Private Debt in 2000, Kevin was a Managing Director in the Leveraged Finance/Merchant Banking Group at CIBC World Markets Corp. He also previously worked at Drexel Burnham Lambert, Wasserstein Perella and Kidder Peabody, principally in a leveraged finance role.