Handshake between businesswoman and female banker
Handshake between businesswoman and female banker

a good team leverages good cash flow

Our lenders have been engineering leveraged finance strategies in the lower middle market for more than 15 years – serving funded, independent and family office sponsors coast-to-coast.

$1.7 billion+

in originations since 2016

18

transactions in 2023

62%

agented transactions

Low execution risk. Highly sophisticated products. Coast-to-coast coverage.

Invest in confidence. We are adept at structuring and managing flexible strategies in condensed timeframes, including senior and mezzanine securities. Name the industry, name the place. We’ll handle it.

We provide senior secured cash flow and asset-based loans for lower middle market companies, including:

  • Leveraged buyouts, mergers and acquisitions, refinancings, and dividend recapitalizations.
  • Investments with a minimum of $1 million EBITDA; senior leverage  typically up to three times EBITDA (total leverage up to four times EBITDA, on average).
  • Companies across a wide variety of industries; primarily manufacturing, business services and distribution.
Female banker meeting with logistics company owner

Our advantage? The faces behind the dollars

Any bank can claim to know you and your business, but when it comes to industry knowledge, in-depth business understanding, and no-nonsense responsiveness, our experienced team has a proven track record with lower middle market companies. We not only help secure the capital your business needs to move forward, we build long-term relationships gaining our client's trust and confidence to secure future deals.

Meet the team

Portrait of Robert Nussbaum smiling

Robert Nussbaum, Managing Director, Structured Capital

“My clients know I’m straightforward and transparent, while also being understanding and responsive. I also believe in balancing life’s seriousness with a bit of humor. I enjoy the art of a well-placed pun and am constantly honing my ‘craft.’”

Robert has over 14 years of varied lending experience under his belt. From his time covering lower middle market and large corporate clients in roles ranging from underwriting to portfolio management to originations, he’s seen it all and leverages that experience for his clients.

Education:
B.S. Finance from Miami University

Call Robert: 513.458.6443
Email Robert: Robert.Nussbaum@bankatfirst.com

Taylor Materna headshot

Taylor Materna, Managing Director, Structured Capital

“Clients can always expect me to go the extra mile, as long as it's behind a desk. In my free time I consider myself a foodie, but my last meal on Earth would be a Big Mac.”

Taylor's varied experience at First Financial Bank includes roles in leveraged finance originations and leveraged finance portfolio management, as well as stints as a specialty credit underwriter and specialty credit analyst. Prior to joining the First Financial team, Taylor served as an account manager for a boutique commercial finance company.

Education:
B.S. Finance from Miami University

Call Taylor: 513.246.2194
Email Taylor: Taylor.Materna@bankatfirst.com

Dmitry Yeliseev headshot

Dmitry Yeliseev, CFA, Managing Director, Structured Capital & Financial Sponsors

Dmitry brings over 20 years of commercial banking and capital markets experience. His deep knowledge, understanding and connectivity in the private equity universe will help build out and lead the growing effort by First Financial around financial sponsors activity and deal opportunities. Prior to joining First Financial Bank, Dmitry spent 20 years with Fifth Third, where he was founding member and senior coverage banker with Financial Sponsors Group at Fifth Third Capital Markets.

Education:
B.S. Science from Roosevelt University
MBA Finance from Roosevelt University

Call Dmitry: 248.821.0921
Email Dmitry: Dmitry.Yeliseev@bankatfirst.com

We get deals done

Here’s the proof we know how to help businesses succeed.

$26,900,000

  • PHARMACEUTICAL DISTRIBUTION COMPANY
  • SENIOR-SECURED CREDIT FACILITIES
  • SOLE LENDER

$18,500,000

  • SPORTING GOODS COMPANY
  • SENIOR-SECURED AND MEZZANINE CREDIT FACILITIES
  • SOLE LENDER

$8,500,000

  • AEROSPACE PARTS SUPPLIER
  • SENIOR-SECURED CREDIT FACILITIES
  • SOLE LENDER
Faraz Abbasi headshot

First Financial excels at winning deals & differentiating us from the competition. They’re a trusted partner in the execution of our strategic vision & one of the best referral services.

  • Take our client’s word for it

Meet Faraz – Managing Partner, Centerfield Capital Partners

Faraz needed more than just financial backing, he needed a team who understood his goals. Robert used his experience and knowledge of the market to solve complex situations with leveraged buyouts, recapitalizations, add-on acquisitions, and growth in lower middle market companies. Flexibility, hard work, and years of experience working together make this team run smoothly.

Let's connect

It’s good to trust your gut. However, structuring a leveraged finance strategy is not an impulse endeavor. There are lots of options to consider, and each comes with its own situations and questions.

Our extensive suite of options includes:

  • Revolving Lines of Credit
  • Term Loans
  • Acquisition Lines
  • Delayed Draw Term Loans
  • Mezzanine Loans
  • Equipment Finance
  • Bridge Loans
  • Interest Rate Risk Management
  • Foreign Exchange Risk Management
  • Treasury Management

Our industry experience includes:

  • Aerospace
  • Automotive
  • Engineering services
  • Equipment rental
  • Financial services
  • Food/agriculture
  • Healthcare (light reimbursement risk)
  • Infrastructure
  • Logistics
  • Pet
  • Transportation

Drop us a line here by submitting the form and someone will be in touch with you soon.

 








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We fund coast-to-coast

US Map with coverage area percentages, 12% west/southwest, 58% Midwest and 30% east/southeast

Frequently asked questions

A cash flow-based loan is a secured loan that is sized based on the bank’s estimation of the sustainable cash flows or Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation, and Amortization (EBITDA) of the Company.

All data represented is based on 2023 reporting and results.

All loans subject to credit review and approval.

Fees may apply. Contact us for further detail.