The tides have shifted. Major U.S. banks that once confidently ventured into the world of leveraged loans have now retreated, nursing their wounds from previous financial fiascos.
If anyone thought that the U.S. buyout market’s resurrection would beckon them back to the forefront, they were mistaken. Now, these banking giants are suspiciously watching from the sidelines, skeptical of diving back into the same tumultuous waters.
Banks Reflect on Past Missteps
Remember 2022? A year many in the financial sector would rather forget, especially the big dogs like Bank of America and Barclays. These institutions found themselves entrapped in a quagmire, clutching billions of dollars of leveraged loans they couldn’t offload.
Many struggled to entice investors to acquire debt associated with high-profile purchases like Elon Musk’s takeover of Twitter or deals linked to tech company Citrix. Those memories aren’t easily erased.
The reluctance isn’t without reason. There’s palpable fear these loans could end up stagnating on their balance sheets once again. With uncertainties looming over the economic horizon, it’s hardly a surprise these institutions are gun-shy.
Recent league table standings depict a clear image. Bank of America’s decline is evident, plunging from a commendable sixth place in last year’s rankings to a staggering 22nd now. And Barclays? They’ve tumbled from the third spot to a mediocre 15th.
One could argue that this reshuffling is due to fewer buyouts. Perhaps. But to the keen observer, it’s more apparent that this cautious distance from high-risk ventures is a direct result of economic uncertainties.
From Banks to Private Funds: The New Order
The landscape is changing. Major banks, wary of the credit rating guillotine, are opting to avoid ventures that could be slapped with low ratings.
They’re well aware that such ratings could dissuade the top echelon of loan buyers. Consequently, private credit funds are stepping up, seizing the opportunity, and directly arranging increasing numbers of loans.
This banking apprehension translates to a limited pool of potential lenders for significant takeovers. Private equity firms are now left in a lurch, forced to gravitate towards more expensive debt options provided by private credit entities such as Blackstone or Blue Owl.
While these banks might believe they’re exercising prudence, their inertia may come at a cost. By sitting out, they’re forgoing hefty origination fees and potential secondary trading gains that emerge post-deal.
For instance, Bank of America’s noticeable absence from lending to new ventures over the past year has raised more than a few eyebrows.
Yet, making any definitive statements now might be premature. Although these banks appear hesitant regarding LBOs, they are actively engaged in other areas.
For example, Bank of America is still a leading underwriter of leveraged loans in the U.S., focusing more on a broader leveraged finance spectrum rather than just LBO loans.
However, it’s impossible to ignore the cautionary approach adopted by these banks after the 2021-2022 economic tremors, when the Federal Reserve hinted at aggressive rate hikes.
The aftermath? Major banks, including the likes of Barclays, Citigroup, and Morgan Stanley, found themselves in financial quicksand, grappling with bonds and loans that plummeted in value.
The market’s violent shifts have left these institutions scarred, prompting them to seek longer-term financing solutions with more adaptable terms.
Current Climate and Future Endeavors
The competitive landscape isn’t stagnant, though. Bankers are hawk-eyed, monitoring lending commitments and assessing which competitors are daring enough to make a comeback.
Recent moves by KKR, which procured a loan for its takeover of Simon & Schuster, failed to feature several major banks.
Similarly, GTCR’s acquisition of Worldpay saw participation from banks like JPMorgan and Goldman, but notable exclusions included the big players such as Bank of America and Barclays.
A private equity capital markets executive aptly summed up the current scenario: the opportunities are scarce, and the competition is intensifying.
With major banks still cautious and private credit funds swiftly filling the void, only time will tell how the dynamics will ultimately play out in this evolving financial battleground.
