Founded in 2003, Merion Investment Partners is a family of mezzanine capital funds licensed by the Small Business Administration (“SBA”) as a Small Business Investment Companies (“SBIC”). Merion invests mezzanine debt with equity features in companies that have strong growth potential, proven management teams, a strategic competitive advantage and/or are operating in sectors of the economy that are poised to exhibit growth.
Mezzanine debt, often referred to as subordinated debt or junior capital is a layer of debt capital that effectively bridges the gap between senior/bank debt and equity. Mezzanine debt is an effective tool for cash flowing companies whose needs exceed their Banks ability or willingness to lend. Often, mezzanine debt is a more effective choice than equity when companies have cash flow, but no significant history, collateral or size to attract senior debt. Subordinated debt can also be a more effective financing tool than senior debt when companies need access to a large piece of long term debt, but lack collateral to do so.
Merion is seeking opportunities to invest between $4 million and $15 million of mezzanine debt and equity in companies to support organic growth, acquisitions, buyouts and generational transfer of ownership. The fund will co-invest equity alongside private equity groups and is comfortable investing in equity sponsored deals as well as non-sponsored deals.