The PFG team has many years’ experience of arranging structured Asset Based Lending (ABL) solutions often in complex and on occasion pressured situations where strict deadlines may be involved. Our involvement typically encompasses the full end to end process. This extends from designing the proposed ABL structure that forms the basis of approaches to funders (supported by the detailed Lender Pack we produce on behalf of our client) to funder selection, working with a funder through the underwriting process, negotiation of terms and implementation support for agreed debt facilities.
When structuring the proposed ABL funding solution an important part of our role is to work with our client to identify key priorities. Different clients have differing objectives, for some it is about maximising quantum of funding, for others improving finance costs is pivotal.
Asset Based Lending is a combination of more than one debt product which secured on different company assets. These can include, plant and machinery, property, inventory, debtors work in progress and potentially other less tangible assets such as intellectual property.
For companies with a strong asset base, balance sheet and track record, Asset Based Lending to support working capital and growth can provide the rocket fuel that a business needs in realising its strategic vision. Companies in turnaround, but with fundable assets can also benefit from unlocking cash to finance their plans. There are funders in the market that target different lending scenarios. PFG brings this understanding to the process and we work to bring about a strong match which kicks off the client/funder relationship on the right footing. This can also change over time as a company in turnaround will normally find interest from a broader range of funders opening out as they build their recovery and a burgeoning track record. In such circumstances, a two-stage approach becomes possible with an original funder subsequently being refinanced by a new lender on a cheaper or more flexible basis further down the track.
Case Studies
Automotive
Finance Required: £35m
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Facility Arranged: Asset Finance (Hire Purchase + Lease Purchase + Operating Lease.
Client: UK subsidiary of a multi-billion turnover global group. Single and dual
source key component OEM (original equipment manufacturer) – part
of global automotive supply chains for major motor vehicle producers.
Purpose: To facilitate the creation of new production lines and manufacturing cells for next-generation critical components.
Solution: Finance sourced from multiple funders on a planned basis, where each individual asset, or group of assets, was packaged and funded by an individual lender or finance company. Finance needed to be in place on time and in line with a complex implementation schedule.
Construction
Finance Required: £2.3m + £1.5m.
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Facility Arranged: Term Loans.
Client: Construction company.
Purpose: To facilitate the acquisition of two target companies.
Solution: Finance facilities arranged in support of the client’s strategy of building a construction group. Initial acquisition on target 1 was short term to facilitate a rapid sales process, subsequently refinanced out to a longer-term lender. Facilities delivered on a term debt basis supported by the historic/forecast revenues of the businesses.
Construction Related
Finance Required: £15m.
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Facility Arranged: Asset Based Lending – Invoice + Asset + Inventory Finance
Client: Product manufacturer into the construction sector
Purpose: Refinance of existing funder seeking an exit and provision of new, flexible finance facilities in support of a turnaround plan proposed by a new incoming management team with a proven track record
Solution: Flexible Asset Based Lending solution arranged from a funder prepared to deploy in a turnaround situation and back the plan proposed.
Facilities Management
Finance Required: £10m
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Facility Arranged: Working Capital Facility.
Client: UK subsidiary of a global facilities management group.
Purpose: To maximise availability of working capital and provide a liquidity buffer during seasonal peaks.
Solution: Off balance-sheet finance facility arranged with the capability to scale in line with forecast business requirements. A flexible cashflow solution enabling short term “cash advances” to be drawn down as and when needed.
Leasing
Sector: Leasing.
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Finance Required: Initially £5m (since grown to £100m).
Facility Arranged: Funding line to support own lease book.
Client: Leasing company
Purpose: Wholesale funding required to facility growth of finance company own leasing book.
Solution: Scalable funding line delivered from a funder with the capability to match the growth of the client.
Marketing
Finance Required: £40m (to date).
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Facility Arranged: Working Capital Facility.
Client: Multi-national marketing and public relations provider.
Purpose: To maximise availability of working capital thereby enabling a strong upward growth curve to be maintained.
Solution: Delivery of a flexible cashflow solution enabling short term “cash advances” to be drawn down.
Packaging
Finance Required: £1.5m.
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Facility Arranged: Revolving Cashflow.
Client: Packaging Producer.
Purpose: Acquisition finance.
Solution: Revolving Cashflow facilities deployed, enabling our client to unlock some equity investment to utilise on a further acquisition in support of a “buy and build” strategy.
Security
Finance Required: £3.5m.
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Facility Arranged: Invoice Finance + Term Loan.
Client: Security company – remote and on-site service provider
Purpose: Refinance of the incumbent funder seeking to exit, plus funding of the company during an insolvency process and financing for NewCo post Administration in line with management’s turnaround plan. Company insolvency was as a result of external factors unrelated to core operations and the business model.
Solution: Introduction of a new funder with the capability to replace the existing lender and finance the company through Administration and deliver expansion funding for the NewCo.
Wholesale Fruit and Vegetables
Finance Required: £8m.
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Facility Arranged: Asset Based Lending – Invoice Finance + Asset Finance + Term Loans.
Client: A purveyor of fruit and vegetables to restaurants and food outlets.
Purpose: To maximise availability of working capital in support of planned growth and to ensure improved matching of finance facilities with return on investment.
Solution: Refinance of existing bank lending with a new structured Asset Based Lending facility with increased quantum and improved repayment basis thereby easing pressure on cashflow.
