Layer 2 - Mezzanine Debt

Mezzanine Debt is provided by independent funds and on EBITDA multiple basis. It stands behind the senior debt. It is unsecured by assets and does not require a personal guarantee. This layer carries significantly more risk than senior debt. It is generally priced at 20% per annum. The mezzanine provider charges interest of approximately 12% per annum and takes a small equity warrant in the business ranging from 5 to 20%. The standard mezzanine debt multiple is 4 to 4.5 times EBITDA. Mezzanine loans are long term money. They usually require only interest payments with no principal payments for the first 3 to 4 years. Most mezzanine loans mature in 5 to 7 years. Because mezzanine lenders own a small piece of the business, they tend to share same risk reward profile as the business owner. It is in their own interest to promote growth of the business.

Mezzanine debt is a hybrid form of capital with features of both debt and equity. Mezzanine debt is generally structured as 6 years in maturity with interest only for the first three years. It ranks junior to senior bank debt. It carries an interest rate of approximately 12%. Mezzanine lenders target companies that are well established consistently profitable. Typically, these companies have strong cash flow but are not bankable due to a lack of hard assets. Mezzanine debt, when properly used, can provide all the capital needed for to fund an acquisition or buy-out. A business’ mezzanine debt capacity is easy to define and can make a world of difference in terms of ownership dilution.

Attract Capital is an expert in measuring any company’s mezzanine debt capacity. Regardless of the type of business, its revenue size ($10 million to $100 million) or financial trend (strong, flat, uneven) – we bring life to a business’ mezzanine debt potential. Through creating this possibility of mezzanine debt financing, we greatly expand our client’s access to capital.

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