What does today’s lending environment mean for buyers pursuing an acquisition? And how are borrowers and sellers getting creative when traditional financing doesn’t cover the full capital needs of a transaction?

In the first episode of Across the Table, Michael Weis (Weis Burney LLC) and Jim Owen of BaseRock Partners discuss the evolving role of private credit in M&A transactions and the broader financing considerations facing buyers today.

The conversation covers the growth of private credit and direct lending, how these lenders are structuring transactions, and what buyers can expect in a more conservative lending environment. They also discuss ways buyers and sellers are filling gaps in the capital stack, including rollover equity, earnouts and seller notes.

The discussion also looks at the broader economic factors influencing lenders and transaction financing, from interest rates and inflation to energy costs, tariffs and other market uncertainty. Most importantly, Jim and Weis share practical considerations for acquirers seeking financing, including thorough diligence, conservative projections and the importance of maintaining strong lender relationships.

Watch the first episode of Across the Table below, and stay tuned for future conversations between Weis Burney and BaseRock Partners on the financial issues and considerations that matter in M&A transactions.

Watch the episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/_Hl13rtX5GE