Leveraged Finance
Leveraged Finance Process and Closing Timeline
Closing speed is rarely a lender problem. It is usually a file readiness problem.
If the data room is clean and the structure is aligned to cash flow, a leveraged finance closing can move quickly.
If you want a structured workflow to term sheets and closing, start with How It Works.
1) The Process, Step by Step
| Stage |
What happens |
What slows it down |
| Package and outreach |
Underwriting memo, model, and lender summary go out to matched lenders. |
Missing debt schedule, unclear EBITDA bridge, inconsistent KPIs. |
| Indicative term sheet |
Lender issues initial terms, covenants, and conditions. |
Overreach on leverage, unclear collateral, messy legal structure. |
| Diligence |
Financial, commercial, legal, and collateral diligence. |
Weak data room hygiene, late QofE, missing contracts. |
| Credit approval |
Committee approval based on diligence outputs and final terms. |
Material surprises, customer churn, margin drop, governance issues. |
| Documentation |
Credit agreement, security docs, guarantees, intercreditor if needed. |
Negotiation on baskets, carve outs, and control rights. |
| Funding |
Conditions satisfied, collateral perfected, funds disbursed. |
Outstanding liens, payoff letters, missing consents. |
2) What “Ready to Close” Looks Like
Commercial readiness
- Clear customer story and retention proof
- Contract terms that match revenue recognition and cash collection
- Supply chain and delivery risks mapped and mitigated
Technical readiness
- Debt schedule and payoff mechanics prepared
- Corporate chart and ownership clean for compliance
- Collateral schedules and lien releases mapped early
Fast closings require discipline:
treat lender Q and A like a production line. Every answer should be sourced, consistent, and logged.
3) How Financely Runs the Closing Workflow
We coordinate the underwriting package, lender outreach, term sheet process, and diligence workflow through closing.
If you want to start, use Request A Quote
or reach us via Contact Us.
Request a Leveraged Finance Closing Plan
Share your target close date, transaction structure, and a list of known diligence workstreams.
We revert with a practical timeline and the critical path items that decide closing speed.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the single biggest driver of closing speed?
Data room quality and consistency. If the file is clean, lender decisions and legal drafting move faster.
Do lenders fund based on a draft model or final diligence?
Drafts can support indications. Funding requires diligence comfort and documented terms, plus satisfied conditions.
What is a “conditions precedent” list?
It is the checklist of documents, deliverables, and approvals required before funding can occur.
When does an intercreditor agreement become necessary?
When there are multiple debt tranches with different lien priorities or subordination, and control rights must be spelled out.
Why do payoff letters matter for refinancing deals?
They confirm exact payoff amounts and lien release mechanics, which are required to perfect new security cleanly.
How should borrowers handle lender information requests during diligence?
Centralize the Q and A, answer with sourced documents, and keep a single version of truth across all stakeholders.