Bank of America, as Administrative Agent and Sole Lead Arranger, working with Cadwalader, successfully closed a $4.1 billion broadly syndicated subscription credit facility to funds managed by The Carlyle Group. Pricing for the three-year revolving facility, the largest U.S. ESG-linked fund finance transaction to date, is tied to progress towards the goal of achieving 30% diverse representation on portfolio company boards within two years of ownership. Carlyle was represented by Latham & Watkins, LLP.
The fund finance market is moving in step with asset managers to respond to the rapidly expanding demand from investors for socially conscious investment alternatives. ESG-linked credit facilities provide funds and lenders the opportunity to advance shared priorities by tying facility pricing to specific sustainability and/or social impact objectives.
“We see a clear runway for growth in ESG fund lending in 2021 for lenders interested in taking a proactive approach,” said Cadwalader partner Wes Misson. “This provides an immense opportunity to shape our market in a socially responsible and impactful way.”
Carlyle issued a press release on the facility available here, and The New York Times and Bloomberg reported on the transaction here and here.
