Buyout lending hurtles towards 2007 levels

Banks are easing their 'lockdown mentality' on lending to private equity firms, but the return of the mega deal is still a long way off

Leveraged loan issuance has hit its highest monthly value for three years, a welcome boost for dealmaking in the private equity industry where firms have been eagerly awaiting an end to banks’ “lockdown mentality” on lending.

Lenders issued €15.6bn of leveraged finance in Europe between November 1 and 11, according to ratings agency Standard & Poor's, putting the month course to top the highest-monthly figure of €20.28bn achieved at the height of the buyout boom in July 2007.

WSJ Logo
Pro Bono or Pro Nono? Law Firms Split on Fulfilling Deals With TrumpExternal link

Pro Bono or Pro Nono? Law Firms Split on Fulfilling Deals With Trump