Ian Koplin

Jan 31, 2024 | abfjournal.com | Ian Koplin

Citizens Business Conditions Index rose to 51.8 in Q4/23, supported by continued resilience in the labor market and consumer trends. The second consecutive quarterly reading above 50 indicates that the U.S. economy exited 2023 with momentum, with signs of moderating inflation supporting optimism for a soft landing.

Jan 31, 2024 | abfjournal.com | Ian Koplin

Biopharmaceutical company Akebia Therapeutics closed a term loan facility with funds and accounts managed by BlackRock that provides for up to $55 million in borrowing capacity available in three tranches. At the closing, Akebia drew the first tranche of $37 million and used the proceeds to pay down $35 million of principal outstanding from a loan agreement with Pharmakon Advisors, the investment manager of the BioPharma Credit funds, plus interest and fees.

Jan 30, 2024 | abfjournal.com | Ian Koplin

Alternative investment firm Strategic Value Partners hired Timo Koch and Ahmed Khan as managing directors. Based in London, they will jointly lead the firm’s structured capital team in Europe, reporting to Brian Himot, who joined Strategic Value Partners in 2022 as head of structured capital. Koch was formerly a managing director at Avenue Capital, where he spent 15 years focused on special situations credit investments. Koch began his career as a strategy consultant at Booz Allen Hamilton.

Jan 30, 2024 | abfjournal.com | Ian Koplin

Ron Brody joined Otterbourg as the head of the firm’s leveraged finance practice group. Brody is a high-yield securities lawyer with a range of corporate, transactional and finance experience. His clients include investment banks, private equity funds and public and private companies. “Ron’s arrival is part of the firm’s focus on growing our leveraged finance practice and will enhance our already strong presence in this area,” Richard L. Stehl, chairman at Otterbourg, said.

Jan 30, 2024 | abfjournal.com | Ian Koplin

Triumph, a member of the Triumph Financial portfolio of brands and a provider of working capital financing solutions to the transportation industry, appointed Kim Fisk executive vice president and chief operating officer of its factoring division. In her new position, Fisk will utilize her experience to drive the company’s growth. She will continue reporting to Tim Valdez, president of Triumph’s factoring division. “We’re excited to welcome Kim into her new position,” Valdez said.