Press ESC key to close search

ABFJournal

ABFJournal

Category: 2011

  1. Home
    2. IssuesPast Issues
  2. 2011

FirstMerit Business Credit: Launched in Adverse Times, This Two-Year Old Sets Its Sights High

Launching an ABL group in the face of the worst recession since the Great Depression proved to be a rewarding challenge for industry veteran Douglas Winget, president of FirstMerit Bank Business Credit. Starting in Q1/09, Winget has successfully developed the ABL’s strategy, management team, territory and originations, and its pipeline for the remainder of 2011 is stronger than it’s ever been.

August 1, 2011 | | ABF Journal

Ethanol Industry … Running on Empty?

At one time, investors in the ethanol business thought they could go in small with one plant and make a fortune, but it isn’t turning out that way. Conglomerates continue to purchase the investor’s expensive assets for a small percentage of the cost. New investors need to understand the challenge of scale when competing in a business where the profits are measured in pennies.

August 1, 2011 | ABF Journal

The Art of Managing Vendor Negotiations & Communications in a Turnaround

In this environment of economic uncertainty, a company ignoring phone calls from angry suppliers and stretching trade credit is a tell-tale sign of distress. Although this approach may find temporary relief for management, it only delays the inevitable. Eventually every company in this situation will need to face reality head-on with its key stakeholder: the supplier base.

May 2, 2011 | Rita Garwood

A Man for All Cycles …TD Bank’s Walter Owens is Bullish on ABL

In February of this year, TD Bank’s Commercial Banking division received three Greenwich Excellence Awards for its middle-market banking capabilities. At the head of it all sits Walter Owens. Regarded by one colleague as a “true visionary in the business” who fortified TD’s ABL shop while others retrenched, it appeared to be the right time to find out what makes Owens tick.

May 2, 2011 | | Rita Garwood

Stick to the Basic Principles: Sage Insights From a Factoring Legend

Having started his career with Standard Factors Corporation in 1949, Louis J. Cappelli, chairman of Sterling National Bank, is enjoying his sixth decade in the commercial finance industry. Based on a wealth of experience garnered from his illustrious career, he shares with ABF Journal his evaluation of the current environment and future opportunities for factoring, as the industry finds its post-recession footing.

May 2, 2011 | | | | Rita Garwood

Out of the Penalty Box — But How Long Until the Ice Melts?

Once again, ABF Journal checks in with five ABL industry executives to find out their take on the state of things. This year, the consensus is quite clear: In an effort to book loans to their institutions’ balance sheets, asset-based lenders have skated back into play … and fiercely at that. But just how willing are borrowers to engage to keep structures sound and price rational levels?

May 2, 2011 | | | Rita Garwood