This is the first episode in a series of discussions around private equity and distressed assets with attorneys from our Bankruptcy + Restructuring and Private Equity practice groups. Distressed mergers and acquisitions (M&A) involving financially troubled companies is an area where private equity firms are increasingly active. This podcast focuses on the state of play in navigating distressed middle market M&A and features a discussion led by Troutman Private Equity Partner Jeremy Levy, with Bankruptcy + Restructuring Partner Jonathan Young and fellow Private Equity Partner Brian Rose.

Topics discussed include how sponsors and senior lenders respond to indications of interest and other valuation data suggesting that the sponsor is out of the money; use of bridge capital; transactional structures used when sponsors are “out of the money”; and alternative structures when the sponsor is not ready to walk away.

Future episodes in this private equity/distressed M&A series will cover topics such as an Article 9 sale versus a 363 sale; the benefits and pitfalls of acquiring assets via an ABC; debt-for-equity and loan-to-own strategies; and potential traps for the unwary in distressed M&A transactions.