Kayne Anderson Senior Credit Partners (KSCP), part of Kayne Anderson’s expanded middle-market lending platform, along with a co-investor, provided a $22.5 million commitment to a term loan used to support KPS Capital Partner’s acquisition of American & Efird (A&E). The financing closed on December 22, 2011.

“We are excited to make our first investment as the newest member of Kayne Anderson’s expanded middle-market lending team. We look forward to working with companies, investors and lenders to build off of our 25-year reputation of trust in providing senior loans to the middle market,” said Al Ricchio, managing partner, Kayne Senior Credit Partners.

“With both mezzanine and senior credit teams, we now have the ability to offer flexible, middle-market financing solutions up and down the capital structure with two of the most experienced and trusted teams in the business,” said Terry Quinn, managing partner for New Business Development at Kayne Anderson Capital Advisors.

Headquartered in Mt. Holly, NC, A&E is a U.S. manufacturer distributor of premium industrial sewing thread used by producers of apparel, automotive components, home furnishings, medical supplies, footwear and certain industrial products. A&E owns or operates 23 plants and employs over 11,000 associates around the world directly or in partnership with joint venture partners.

Kayne Anderson Capital Advisors, L.P. is an alternative investment management firm with over 25 years of successful experience in the energy, growth capital, real estate and credit sectors.