Solar Capital Ltd. Acquires Nations Equipment Finance; Continuation of Strategic Plan to Diversify and Expand Specialty Finance Platform - Seite 2

"We believe that NEF offers a compelling opportunity to invest in an established business, whose management team has a strong track record," said Michael Gross, Chairman and CEO of Solar. "The addition of NEF's sourcing channel enhances Solar's flexibility to originate investments across multiple business lines in order to find the best risk reward opportunities while also increasing the earnings power of Solar's portfolio."

"We believe this acquisition further positions us as a diversified specialty finance company, providing capital solutions to middle market companies. NEF, with its 100% collateralized loan portfolio, complements Solar's other specialty lending businesses," said Bruce Spohler, Chief Operating Officer of Solar. "We believe NEF's business is highly scalable and provides Solar with access to another differentiated middle market corporate credit platform focused on collateral-based/LTV lending. NEF offers attractive risk-adjusted returns and has a low correlation to the broader non-investment grade credit markets."

"We are excited about NEF's relationship with Solar Capital and the growth opportunities it provides the NEF platform," said Phil Carlson, President and Chief Executive Officer of NEF. "Solar's stable, long-term funding will enhance NEF's ability to provide innovative financing solutions to our clients."

Keefe Bruyette & Woods, Inc. acted as the exclusive financial advisor to NEF in connection with the transaction.

ABOUT SOLAR CAPITAL LTD.

Solar Capital Ltd. is a closed-end investment company that has elected to be treated as a business development company under the Investment Company Act of 1940. The Company invests directly and indirectly in leveraged, middle market businesses in the form of senior secured loans, including unitranche loans, as well as mezzanine loans, and equity securities.

ABOUT NATIONS EQUIPMENT FINANCE, LLC

NEF specializes in providing equipment leases and loans across a wide spectrum of industries including transportation, manufacturing, construction, aerospace and marine for small and medium sized businesses primarily in the United States. NEF's transactions range in size from $1 to $50 million and focus on the underlying collateral value. Nations uses this collateral specific approach for both new and used equipment financings with terms typically between three and seven years.