The Middle Market Growth Program (MMGP), a joint venture between Antares Capital and LStar Capital, closed a senior secured unitranche credit facility to support the acquisition of Evans Network of Companies by Calera Capital.

Headquartered in Schuylkill Haven, PA, The Evans Network of Companies is a provider of intermodal, flatbed, brokerage, dry van and other trucking services.

“Antares understood our needs and provided a solution delivering the speed and certainty of execution we desired,” said James Halow, managing director with Calera Capital.

“Evan’s customer-centric approach and track record of supporting and growing its agent network has established them as market leader within the transportation and logistics industry,” said Ryan Simpson, vice president with Antares. “We look forward to working with the Evans management team and Calera as they pursue continued growth opportunities for the business.”

MMGP provides private equity sponsors and borrowers with access to first lien unitranche loans. MMGP does not require rating agency meetings or a syndication process so transactions can close in as few as three weeks. MMGP has the ability to provide up to $250 million in financing for a single transaction.

Founded in 1991, Calera Capital is a private investment firm which has invested over $3.0 billion.

LStar Capital is the credit affiliate of Lone Star Funds, a global private equity firm that invests in real estate, equity, credit and other financial assets.