Who We Are
Palisade Credit Advisors is a Chicago-based boutique debt capital advisory firm that helps small and medium-sized businesses optimize their capital structure, navigate the complexities of the credit markets, and secure financing on the most favorable terms.
We partner with owner-operators, family-owned businesses, and private equity sponsors to deliver tailored financing strategies that unlock potential and support long-term growth.
We provide trusted, experienced guidance that helps clients optimize their capital structure, manage risk, and pursue strategic opportunities with confidence.
Our Services
Debt Advisory & Structuring
- Evaluate capital structure and financing needs
- Advise on capital structure optimization and recommend debt solutions, including term loans, revolving lines of credit, unitranche facilities, mezzanine debt, and asset-based lending facilities
Lender Sourcing & Negotiation
- Identify appropriate banks, private credit funds, and alternative lenders
- Negotiate favorable terms and pricing for clients
- Streamline the execution of the debt financing process
Amendments, Refinancings & Restructurings
- Analyze existing debt facilities to recommend improvements (e.g. repricing)
- Design customized strategies to manage debt-related risks (e.g. maturities, covenants, etc.)
- Guide clients through amendment processes
- Support distressed businesses in creditor negotiations
Lender Relationship Management
- Develop lender materials (e.g. covenant reports, presentations, etc.)
- Facilitate lender/investor discussions
Market Intelligence & Research
- Provide debt and leverage reads
- Help businesses interpret evolving market conditions, interest rate trends, and lender sentiment
Who We Serve
Small and Medium-Sized Businesses (SMBs):
- Companies looking to raise debt capital but lacking the in-house bandwidth or expertise to navigate the credit markets
- Firms seeking to optimize existing debt structures and reduce borrowing costs
- Businesses in need of market insights and strategic advice to weather economic volatility or prepare for growth
- May include owner-operated and family businesses, and portfolio companies or targets of private equity sponsors
Target Company Profile:
- Revenue: $10MM - $300MM+
- EBITDA: $0 - $75MM+
- Credit Needs: $5MM - $200MM+
- Industry: While sector-agnostic, Palisade brings extensive lending expertise in aerospace & defense, building products, healthcare, hospitality, gaming & leisure, restaurants, and retail.
Sample Success Story
Situation:
- Client engaged Palisade prior to signing LOI on a $30MM acquisition, with a financing need of $15MM-$20MM
Palisade Role:
- Advised on pro forma capital structure; structured tailored debt solutions
- Sourced appropriate lenders
- Led lender engagement, negotiation, and supported deal execution
Outcome:
- Secured $20MM of debt financing across three tranches.
- Negotiated fixed-rate option that has reduced blended interest rate by ~300bps annually since early 2022
- Negotiated personal guaranty burn off, and other borrower-friendly terms
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