Background
ABL has gained increasing traction in Europe as well as globally in recent years. Borrowers have sought broader funding solutions in the face of challenging economic and geopolitical conditions.
Competitive pricing vs traditional working capital facilities typically provided by RCFs from banks which have become more expensive as interest rates have escalated has boosted interest from borrowers. Commitment fees on ABL are also much lower.
Increasing acceptance as a funding option, especially by PE sponsors. ABL lenders have worked hard to offer greater flexibility to borrowers e.g. by providing committed facilities and a higher proportion of cash flow strips as part of their funding package.
Sector specialisation in ABL providers. The rise in specialist ABL providers with deep knowledge of specific industries has allowed these lenders to provide tailored funding solutions to meet borrower’s needs.
The challenging economic climate caused by COVID-19, geopolitical events, and dislocation in energy markets has boosted risk aversion in traditional lending. ABL, with its focus on asset values which endure post-distress, offers lenders a lower level of risk and higher recoveries post-default.
Technological developments have made ABL more efficient and data-driven. ABL Lenders increasingly use software to streamline asset valuation and monitoring which has improved decision-making and reduced risk.
Challenges in ABL
- Despite these benefits, ABL lending has a greater complexity in bifurcated deals, especially in structuring the intercreditor issues between ABL and traditional cash flow-based lenders.
- ABL relies on collateral - primarily on the value of their collateral so lenders are keen to ensure they have full control over their assets pre and post-distress and the fact that it.
- Lengthy Initial setup takes longer as ABL lenders need to audit the paper trail and appraise the asset values.