Mezzanine Financing
Mezzanine financing is a type of financing option that combines debt and equity financing. This financing tool gives companies access to capital that is not typically available through traditional bank loans or fixed-rate bond offerings.
In mezzanine financing, the lender receives a combination of a loan and equity in the company. Typically, a mezzanine loan will include some kind of interest rate, as well as an equity ownership position in the company. This is usually done through the issuance of a convertible preferred stock, or warrants.
The loan portion of the mezzanine financing arrangement is typically a low-interest loan with a maturity date, as opposed to a typical business loan that can be called in at any time. The loan portion of mezzanine financing usually has a relatively high repayment rate, as the lender must ensure a good return on its investment.
The equity portion of the mezzanine financing arrangement gives the lender a degree of influence in the company. The lender will have a voting right in the company, allowing it to exercise control over management decisions. The amount of equity taken by the lender depends on the loan amount and the pricing structure.
Mezzanine financing is often used to finance corporate transactions such as mergers and acquisitions. It allows the purchasing company to reduce its debt levels, as the cost of the transaction will be financed primarily through mezzanine debt. It also allows the target company to receive additional capital without diluting ownership or control.
Another use of mezzanine financing is to finance expansions and new projects. This type of financing is ideal for companies that require capital but do not have access to traditional sources of funding, such as bank loans. With mezzanine financing, the amount of capital available to companies is typically much higher than with other financing methods.
Mezzanine financing is a novel form of financing that has become increasingly popular among businesses seeking sources of capital outside of traditional bank loans and fixed-rate bonds. It is a unique tool that can be used to finance corporate transactions, expansions and new projects. While mezzanine financing is not without risk, it offers companies a potentially lucrative source of capital.