At Gibraltar, we’ve often discussed the creativity and flexibility of our asset-based lending (ABL) solutions. Another core component we have built into our DNA is nurturing long-standing relationships with the financial sponsor community built on trust, transparency, and reliability.
To show how we’ve put that philosophy into practice, GBC CEO Scott Winicour sat down with Ari Silverman, Co-Founder and Partner of Lion Equity, to discuss how their companies have worked together through diverse situations to find mutually beneficial solutions.
Lion Equity Partners and GBC have grown together as firms in transaction-size collaborations and capabilities. They’ve partnered on multiple transactions, including new portfolio acquisitions and refinancing bank facilities for Lion Equity’s portfolio companies.
“For our platform acquisitions, Gibraltar has helped us win and close new deals quickly and efficiently, which is an important component of our corporate-carveout strategy,” Silverman said.
“Gibraltar understands our investment track record and profile. They have stood alongside us as we’ve grown and delivered on our plans to transform the companies we invest in,” he added.
“We’ve worked together for years, building a high level of two-way trust and transparency. We’ve established how to respond to transaction developments as they occur while providing open dialogue and strategic guidance on how to keep deals moving forward on time,” Winicour said.
A Recent Transaction: Country Life Acquisition
Gibraltar recently supported Lion Equity Partners with a $26MM senior credit facility to support the acquisition of Country Life, a manufacturer and distributor that manages a portfolio of brands in the natural vitamins, supplements, and personal care markets through its three household-name brands: Country Life Vitamins, Desert Essence, and Biochem Protein. Country Life was acquired from a subsidiary of Kikkoman, which manufactures the leading soy sauce brand.
“When we pursue acquisitions, we compete on speed and certainty of close. We needed a partner we knew could deliver. Many lenders say they can provide this as part of their value proposition, but our experience has shown how Gibraltar delivers differently,” Silverman said.
In this instance, Lion Equity Partners was required to show proof that Gibraltar could confidently help the private equity firm close the transaction quickly, and GBC was able to deliver a term sheet within 24 hours.
A Steady Partner In All Situations
Beyond helping Lion Equity hit its initial goals in any transaction, Gibraltar fostered the relationship through a proven track record of working with companies in special situations and when things deviate from initial plans or projections.
“When we talk to financial sponsors and potential borrowers, we always advise that they ask prospective lenders about what happens if something does not go according to plan. Projections change, and we’re always ready for those scenarios. We’ve continually seen how taking a measured approach to performance blips or fluctuations helps create a sense of trust, reliability, and comfort for our borrower and financial sponsor partners,” Winicour said.
“Gibraltar has been a true partner who puts the time and effort into creating a real relationship with your team before, during, and after a transaction is complete. We don’t often see that level of commitment or the ability to adapt to changing deal terms as quickly or smoothly from other lenders,” Silverman said. “Gibraltar has continually shown they know how to be calm and collected when everything doesn’t go to plan.”
Gibraltar values our partnerships with private equity groups. Are you ready to learn how we can tailor a capital solution that fits you and your investment needs? Let’s talk today.
