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Where Have All The Lenders Gone?: "Loan To Own Transactions" In The Current Credit Market, Stephanie A. Nadler

Stephanie A Nadler

Credit is not readily available in current markets. While distressed firms are in dire need of capital contributions, traditional lenders are not willing to make risky loans. Distressed firms have turned to hedge funds as lenders for much-needed capital. Thus, hedge funds engage in “loan to own” transactions, a lending technique that has recently drawn much criticism. In a loan to own transaction, the hedge fund makes a loan to a distressed company, while also taking an equity stake in the company. Pursuant to such activity, the hedge fund will generally gain a seat on the board of directors or …