Runway Growth Capital, a provider of growth loans to both venture and non-venture-backed companies seeking an alternative to raising equity, and BC Partners Credit, the $8 billion credit arm of BC Partners, entered a definitive agreement whereby BC Partners Credit will acquire Runway.
Following the closing of the transaction, Runway will remain the investment adviser to investment funds, including Runway Growth Finance, a business development company, and other private funds. Runway’s current management team and investment personnel are expected to continue to serve as officers and senior management.
“This transaction is expected to deliver increased value for both investors and borrowers in the near- and long-term as we join the BC Partners Credit platform. Our strategic partnership positions Runway to accelerate originations within our ideal investment range of $30 – $150 million and expand our offerings to both target companies and sponsors,” David Spreng, founder and CEO of Runway, said. “The combination will enhance our capabilities by introducing structured equity preferred investments, asset-based lending and the ability to operate in new strategies such as equipment leasing, while strengthening our sponsor relationships through fund finance and other fund-level offerings. By combining BC Partners’ resources and scale with our network, expertise and differentiated presence in the market, we believe Runway will deliver more comprehensive financing solutions for a wider range of companies. Moving forward, we expect that our investors will benefit from increased exposure and access to a greater number of investment opportunities, additional diversification and the potential for attractive risk-adjusted returns.”
“David and the team at Runway have built one of the most well-respected platforms across growth and venture lending. Their solutions are sought after by fast growing companies, and we look forward to building on their momentum,” Ted Goldthorpe, head of BC Partners Credit, said. “As a virtue of being part of the BC Partners Credit platform, we see many compelling opportunities for Runway to generate additional origination activities, optimize its capital structure and create value for investors and borrowers. Likewise, the acquisition is quite strategic for BC Partners Credit, as we expand our offerings through a robust suite of financing solutions to all stakeholders. We will continue to accelerate our growth trajectory, establishing BC Partners Credit as a best-in-class, fully diversified credit manager, serving a multi-trillion-dollar market with strong tailwinds.”
The closing of the transaction, which is expected to occur in Q4/24, is subject to customary closing conditions, including approval of a new investment advisory agreement with Runway, by Runway Growth Finance’s stockholders, the terms of which are expected to remain the same as the existing investment advisory agreement. The Runway Growth Finance board of directors unanimously recommends that stockholders approve the new investment advisory agreement, under which Runway will continue in its capacity as the company’s investment adviser. Senior management of Runway Growth Capital has agreed to vote their shares in favor of the transaction.
Oppenheimer & Co. is acting as exclusive financial advisor to Runway Growth Capital. Wachtell, Lipton, Rosen & Katz is acting as legal counsel to Runway Growth Capital and Eversheds Sutherland (U.S.) is acting as legal counsel to the independent directors of Runway Growth Finance. Simpson Thacher & Bartlett is acting as legal counsel to BC Partners.
