Understanding Debt Finance Law and Its Various Forms

Debt finance law is a complex and multifaceted field that can be overwhelming to navigate.

Debt finance law can be broadly categorized into two main forms: secured and unsecured debt. Secured debt, as discussed in the article, is a type of debt that is backed by collateral, such as a mortgage on a property.

Secured debt is often used for large purchases, like buying a house or a car.

Unsecured debt, on the other hand, is not backed by collateral and is typically used for smaller purchases or expenses. Examples of unsecured debt include credit card debt and personal loans.

In the article, it's mentioned that unsecured debt can be more difficult to manage than secured debt, as it doesn't have the added security of collateral.

Debt finance comes in many forms, and understanding the types can help you navigate the complexities of debt finance law.

Aircraft & Engine Finance is a specialized form of debt finance that focuses on financing aircraft and engines.

Asset-Based Finance, on the other hand, involves using assets as collateral to secure loans.

Credit Unions offer a unique type of debt finance that is member-owned and not-for-profit.

Debt Finance & Lending encompasses a broad range of debt financing options, including loans and credit lines.

Direct Lending & Private Credit involves lending money directly to individuals or businesses, often without the involvement of traditional banks.

Equipment Financing/Leasing allows businesses to acquire equipment while spreading the cost over time.

Financial Services M&A involves the buying and selling of financial services companies, which can impact debt finance law.

Hotel Finance involves financing hotels and other hospitality properties.

Project Finance is used to fund large-scale projects, such as infrastructure developments or renewable energy projects.

Structured Finance involves creating complex financial instruments to meet specific financing needs.

Our team has extensive experience in specialized debt finance, with a focus on private credit and direct lending. We help clients navigate complex loan structures, including first and second lien loans, unitranche financing, and mezzanine facilities.

We've worked with a diverse range of clients, from small-scale startups to large, public companies, and have a deep understanding of the private debt landscape. Our team is comprised of frequent authors and speakers in their areas of expertise, and we're regularly contacted by the media to advise on trends in the space.

In the specialty finance space, we've worked on deals in film, television, and other media finance, as well as franchisee finance, convenience and gas station finance, and restaurant finance. Our team delivers thoughtful solutions and market-driven knowledge to clients at every stage of the lifecycle of a debt transaction.

In the world of debt finance, there are many specialized areas that cater to unique industries and needs. One such area is film and television finance, where our team brings expertise in navigating the complex financial landscape of the entertainment industry.

We have experience working with a wide range of clients, from small-scale startups to large, public companies, guiding them through every stage of their transactions. Our Private Credit team is comprised of frequent authors and speakers in their areas of expertise.

Our team is well-versed in the challenges and opportunities encountered by banks, private investors, and funds in various industries, including film, television, and other media finance. We are a single, integrated team across multiple disciplines delivering thoughtful solutions and market-driven knowledge to clients.

We offer tailored solutions that align with each client's goals and transaction objectives. Our team is consistently engaged in a wide variety of deals due to our ability to deliver right-sized work product on time and on budget.

Here are some examples of the types of deals we've worked on in the Specialty Finance space:

Venture debt is a specialized discipline that requires thought innovators at the forefront of the industry. The Venture Debt team at Barnes & Thornburg is best-in-class in the industry, representing banks and non-bank lenders in various venture debt and growth capital transactions.

They primarily focus on venture debt and growth capital transactions, showcasing their expertise in this area. This demonstrates their role as thought leaders in the industry.

Their experience and expertise make them a go-to team for banks and non-bank lenders looking to navigate the complex world of venture debt and growth capital transactions.

We've worked on numerous corporate debt finance deals, helping companies secure the funds they need to grow and thrive. Our experience spans a wide range of industries, from technology to logistics.

One notable deal was the refinancing of a USD250 million syndicated credit facility for a cloud infrastructure provider. This was the fourth time we've represented the company in connection with its syndicated credit facilities, and it's been amazing to see them grow from a Series B startup with a USD600 million valuation to a public company with a USD5.6 billion market float.

We've also advised on deals involving senior revolving credit facilities, such as the USD6 billion facility for Discovery, Inc. and Discovery Communications LLC. This deal had English, Dutch, and Luxembourg aspects, requiring a deep understanding of cross-border financing.

Our team has experience with secured borrowing base financing, as seen in the EUR1.376 billion deal for TipTrailer, a global logistics group. This type of financing is often used by companies with a strong asset base.

In addition to these deals, we've worked on refinancing transactions, such as the USD1.5 billion TLA/TLB refinancing for INEOS under a New York law credit agreement.

Here are some examples of our corporate debt finance work: