Tuesday, March 26, 2013

Bridging the Gap -- Mezzanine Financing



 


By Joshua Stein



Senior mortgage lenders have plenty of money to lend today for the right projects - but still often not as much as investors or developers would like.  Mezzanine financing can fill that gap and give all parties involved a great tool to make deals work.  But borrowers, mortgage lenders, and mezzanine lenders need to understand how today's market expectations have changed.



I've invited Bruce Batkin, CEO of Terra Capital Partners, a leading mezzanine lender, to share his knowledge of the industry, and of how mezzanine loans are being structured and closed right now, at a luncheon presentation sponsored by Mortgage Bankers Association of New York.  Bruce's presentation continues the MBA/NY series of educational events, which I have chaired since 2008.



Bruce will discuss how mezzanine loans can help finance new acquisitions and recapitalize existing properties, and what deal terms mezzanine lenders demand today.  He'll start with pricing and proceeds, of course, but also talk about the terms and structure of the debt stack.  What guaranties will a mezzanine lender demand?  Where do problems arise in the relationship  between a mezzanine lender and a senior mortgage lender?  What did we learn from the financial crisis and "tranche warfare" between mortgage lenders and mezzanine lenders?



Bruce's company also originates preferred equity deals and other types of subordinate debt.  He'll talk about those as well, and how their terms, structure, and pricing compare with mezzanine financing.



The MBA/NY luncheon program "Bridging the Gap: Mezzanine Financing" will take place on Thursday, April 18, at Club 101, 101 Park Avenue.  Registration and networking start at 11:30 a.m.  A buffet lunch will be served at 12:15 p.m. followed by a luncheon presentation from 12:30 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.



If you would like to register, please visit the MBA/NY website.  You can also register the day of the event, but MBA/NY offers discounts for early registration.  I'm looking forward to seeing you on April 18!