Are you a business owner and now looking to retire? Not to worry, because as private equity sponsors fund that move to Florida, their acquisitions are made possible by the private credit firms which have cultivated a lower middle market lending strategy.
But lower middle market lending is, of course, not without its challenges. Intensifying competition from firms honing in on the space and a complicated macroeconomic picture have pushed pricing down to levels last seen in the giddy days of 2021.
In the latest episode of Cloud 9fin Michelle Handy, chief investment officer of First Eagle Alternative Credit’s Direct Lending business, joins 9fin senior reporter Shubham Saharan to talk about that corner of the private credit world.
They unpack the opportunities and obstacles in lower middle market lending, the benefits of having a large existing portfolio, while also touching on the growing asset-based lending market (not to be confused with asset-backed lending!).
For feedback on the podcast, or to learn how to get involved, send a note to
podcast@9fin.com. Thanks for listening!
Creators and Guests
Producer
Chase Collum
Head of Podcasts for 9fin Limited
What is Cloud 9fin?
Leveraged finance, distressed debt, and private credit drive today’s markets. Cloud 9fin delivers expert insights on high-yield bonds, syndicated loans, direct lending, and debt restructuring. Join top analysts and investors as we explore credit markets, special situations, and private debt strategies shaping the industry.
From credit risk assessment to institutional credit trends, each episode provides actionable intelligence for fund managers, institutional investors, and financial professionals. Whether you’re tracking high-yield issuances, analyzing corporate debt, or uncovering distressed debt opportunities, we’ve got you covered.
Through its AI-powered data and analytics platform, 9fin provides everything you need to get your head around credit or win a mandate — all in one place. We help subscribers win business, outperform their peers and save time. Stay ahead in leveraged finance market trends—subscribe now for expert discussions on the forces moving global credit.