Syndicated Finance

On October 14, 2025, KeyBanc Capital Markets Inc. (KBCM) closed $75 million in Senior Secured Credit Facilities for Lightshift Energy’s battery energy storage systems (BESS) portfolio of six operating and 10 construction-ready projects. This financing, which includes a term loan, construction-to-term loan, and tax equity bridge loan, will help strengthen and accelerate Lightshift’s rapidly growing pipeline of energy storage projects across the East Coast.

The portfolio includes 16 battery energy storage projects, totaling 88 MW and 384 MWh in capacity, with installations located in Massachusetts (27 MW), Vermont (19 MW), and Virginia (42 MW). These construction-ready projects are expected to reach commercial operation during the second half of 2026. Revenue will be generated through energy storage service agreements with public power utilities and an industrial client.

This marks the second transaction in 2025 with Lightshift Energy. Earlier in June, KeyBanc Capital Markets served as exclusive financial advisor for Lightshift’s development capital raise from Aiga Capital Partners. 

About Lightshift Energy
Lightshift is a utility-scale energy storage project developer, owner and operator headquartered in Arlington, Virginia. Founded in 2019, Lightshift is developing a diverse, multi-gigawatt pipeline of energy storage projects, located throughout the U.S. With leading energy storage analytics, application design, finance, and development expertise, Lightshift deploys dynamic, multi-use energy storage projects that maximize value for utilities and other partners, while reinvesting directly into the communities where their projects are located.

On October 3, 2025, KeyBanc Capital Markets Inc. (KBCM) successfully closed the syndication of $300 million Senior Secured Credit Facilities for WarHorse Gaming, LLC, wholly owned by the Winnebago Tribe of Nebraska’s award-winning economic development corporation, Ho-Chunk, Inc. The financing included a $250 million Term Loan A and a $50 million Revolving Credit Facility. Proceeds will be used to refinance existing indebtedness, fund working capital and capital expenditures, and general corporate purposes.

KBCM was selected to serve as Joint Lead Arranger on the transaction due to our successful track record of executing syndicated transactions and industry expertise in the debt capital markets.

About WarHorse Gaming, LLC
The Tribe established WarHorse in 2022 to develop, own, and operate two commercial casinos in eastern Nebraska: WarHorse Gaming Lincoln, LLC and WarHorse Gaming Omaha, LLC. WarHorse completed its multi-phase development in April 2025 and currently features an aggregate of 1,900 slot machines, 28 table games, several F&B options, and other premium amenities.

About Ho-Chunk, Inc.
Ho-Chunk, Inc. (“Ho-Chunk”) was established in 1994 as an independent commercial entity owned by the Tribe. Ho-Chunk owns and operates a diversified portfolio of businesses spanning multiple end markets including gaming & real estate, manufacturing & distribution, consumer, and government contracting. As a long-term capital provider, Ho-Chunk prioritizes their dual mission of generating revenue and affecting positive social and economic impact.

About Winnebago Tribe of Nebraska
Winnebago Tribe of Nebraska is a federally recognized sovereign nation comprised of over 5,000 enrolled members. Tribal lands encompass over 27,600 acres across eastern Nebraska.

On October 3, 2025, KeyBanc Capital Markets (KBCM) successfully advised Avance Investment Management, LLC (Avance or the Company) on its acquisition of Barchemy, LLC (Barchemy), a developer and manufacturer of chocolate and confectionery ingredients. KBCM was engaged to serve as the Exclusive Buy-Side Advisor to Avance based on our long-standing relationship with the Company and Barchemy, deep Food & Beverage domain expertise and relevant M&A execution experience.

Avance is a private equity firm with offices in New York and Miami, focused on building middle market businesses in partnership with talented founders and management teams. Avance makes thematic investments within the Consumer, Services and Technology sectors in the U.S., seeking attractive opportunities with catalysts for growth within fragmented spaces with consolidation opportunities. The Company has a long history of partnering with founder-owned businesses, industry executives and management teams to add value.

Founded in 2005, Barchemy is an innovative manufacturer of high-quality, better-for-you chocolate and confectionary ingredients for the nutritional bar, bakery, confectionary and ice cream industries. Barchemy specializes in custom-formulated solutions across several applications and formats, offering an assortment of ~300 coatings, filings and inclusions. Barchemy is headquartered near Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania where it operates ~110K sq. ft. of manufacturing space across three facilities.

KeyBank Community Development Lending & Investment provided $71.2 million in capital for new construction of The Heights, a 160-unit affordable housing project in Akron, Ohio. All 160 units will serve families and individuals earning no more than 40%-70% of Area Median Income (AMI). The property will feature amenities for residents that will include a clubhouse and picnic area, fitness center, and a playground. We want to thank DFP Development LLC and Industrial Realty Group LLC for their sponsorship and shared mission to build much-needed affordable housing in Ohio.

The financing includes a $30.1 million construction loan, $26.2 million in LIHTC equity, $15.4 million permanent loan arranged by Key Commercial Mortgage Group, and $25 million public sale of tax-exempt private activity bonds arranged by KeyBank Capital Markets.

KeyBank Community Development Lending & Investment provided $5.8 million in capital for the new construction of Brynhill Apartments, a 59-unit affordable housing project in North Plains, Oregon. All 59 units will serve families and individuals earning no more than 30%-60% of Area Median Income (AMI). Supportive services will be offered to residents by Centro Cultural, a community-based and culturally specific organization serving the Latinx community in Washington Counties. CC provides multigenerational and culturally specific services through the following core program areas: K-12 STEAM education, workforce development, small business technical assistance, public engagement, civic advocacy, community health and wellness, transitional housing, and community-wide arts and cultural events. We want to thank Home First Development Green Light Investments for their sponsorship and shared mission to build much-needed affordable housing in Oregon.

The financing includes a $3.3 million construction loan and a $2.5 million permanent loan.

KeyBank Community Development Lending & Investment provided $12.8 million in capital for the new construction of Artem on Gay, a 71-unit affordable housing project in Columbus, Ohio. All 71 units will serve families and individuals earning no more than 30%-80% of Area Median Income (AMI). The property will feature amenities for residents including a community room and a fitness center. We want to thank the Ohio Community Development Finance Fund for their sponsorship and shared mission to build much-needed affordable housing in Ohio.

The financing includes a $8.3 million construction loan and a $4.5 million permanent loan.

KeyBank Community Development Lending & Investment provided $66 million in capital for the new construction of Vita Lifestyle of Lafayette, a 198-unit senior affordable housing project in Lafayette, Indiana. This project will serve senior citizens earning no more than 40%–60% of Area Median Income (AMI). The property will feature amenities for residents that include a community room, pet wash, sports courts, and community patio. We want to thank Vita Investment Holdings LLC for their sponsorship and shared mission to build much-needed affordable housing in Indiana.

The financing includes $37.2 million in construction loans, a $28.8 million permanent loan arranged by Key Commercial Mortgage Group, and bond underwriting arranged by KeyBank Capital Markets.

KeyBank Community Development Lending and Investment (CDLI) provided a $25.9 million loan to finance the new construction of 1434 W. Compton Blvd LP, a 75-unit affordable housing project located in Compton, California. The Coalition for Responsible Community Development (CRCD) has partnered with LandSpire Group, LLC, to develop the project. This is the inaugural development project between the sponsor, CRCD, and LandSpire Group, LLC, a partnership that aims to produce 1,000+ permanent supportive and affordable housing units across the Greater Los Angeles area over the next decade.

The project will be a three-story development consisting of studio, one-bedroom and two-bedroom units, all of which are restricted at or below 50% of the area median income (AMI). Fifty percent of the units are set aside as permanent supportive housing, and the remaining 50% as general affordable housing. Additional LIHTC equity and Freddie Mac TEL permanent financing were secured from Walker & Dunlop.

Founded in 2005, the Coalition for Responsible Community Development (CRCD) is a 501(c) 3 organization dedicated to improving the quality of life in South Los Angeles. CRCD supports low-income residents and small businesses with jobs, education, training, affordable housing, and comprehensive support. Since its inception, CRCD has facilitated $160 million in investments, creating 464 housing units and additional development worth $665 million.

Founded in 2019, LandSpire Group is a Southern California-based real estate private equity firm specializing in investing in ground-up developments in select U.S. markets that are experiencing housing affordability challenges and supply imbalances. LandSpire's housing portfolio currently consists of 500 units of market rate and workforce housing, with an additional 400 units of affordable and workforce housing scheduled for delivery by the end of 2025.

1434 W. Compton Blvd LP, which is expected to be completed by May 2027, will have onsite amenities including laundry facilities, a community room, a tot lot, a landscaped courtyard, an amphitheater-style seating area, a basketball/multi-court play area, onsite parking and a resident manager. Social services will also be provided on-site by CRCD and other community partners.

Matthew Haas and Cathy Danigelis of KeyBank CDLI structured the financing.

On September 30, 2025, KeyBanc Capital Markets acted as Co-Manager on a $286.35 million Follow-On Offering for AAR Corp. (AAR or the Company).

AAR is a leading independent provider of solutions to the global aviation aftermarket. The Company offers a broad line of products and services to commercial and defense aerospace customers. AAR operates globally in over 20 countries through four business segments: Parts Supply, Repair & Engineering, Integrated Solutions and Expeditionary Services. For the year ended May 31, 2025, the Company generated sales of $2.8 billion. For the quarter ended August 31, 2025, the Company generated sales of $739.6 million. AAR was founded in 1951, is based in Wood Dale, Illinois and as of May 31, 2025 employed approximately 5,600 employees worldwide.

On September 26, 2025, KeyBanc Capital Markets Inc. (KBCM) successfully closed a new financing transaction for Ho-Chunk Nation of Wisconsin (HCN). The $610 million Senior Secured Credit Facilities (the Credit Facilities) consist of a $305 million Revolving Credit Facility and a $305 million Delayed Draw Term Loan. In combination with ~$95 million of equity, proceeds of the Credit Facilities will be used to finance the construction of the Nation’s new flagship casino resort in Beloit, Wisconsin, and pay fees and expenses. KBCM acted as Left Lead Arranger, Joint Bookrunner and Administrative Agent on the transaction.

HCN is a new Left Lead Agency for KBCM. KBCM was selected to arrange the financing due to our unmatched experience and expertise in the Native American Financial Services industry, robust Debt Capital Markets platform, and historical track record of success leading and syndicating transactions in the gaming space.

About Ho-Chunk Nation of Wisconsin
Ho-Chunk Nation is a federally recognized sovereign Tribal nation with ~7,766 enrolled members. Headquartered in Black River Falls, Wisconsin, the Nation’s trust lands are mainly non-contiguous and scattered across 14 counties throughout Wisconsin and surrounding states. The Ho-Chunk Nation Legislature skillfully negotiated and authorized the credit facility. The Nation’s Department of Business is responsible for the management and administration of its business enterprises, including Ho-Chunk Gaming Wisconsin.

About Ho-Chunk Gaming Wisconsin
The Nation currently owns and operates six gaming facilities under the Ho-Chunk Gaming Wisconsin brand, with locations in Black River Falls, Wisconsin Dells, Madison, Wittenberg, Tomah, and Nekoosa. Ho-Chunk Gaming Wisconsin is developing a new ~$705 million destination-style casino resort in Beloit, Wisconsin. The property will feature over 1,500 slot machines and 40 table games, a 312-room hotel with a rooftop lounge, numerous food and beverage outlets, a 2,000-seat convention center, and a parking garage. Construction started in October 2024 with the Casino opening in September 2026. The Hotel and Convention Center is expected to be completed in September 2027.

In September 2025, KeyBank successfully upsized and closed a $300 million Senior Secured Revolving Credit Facility for Pursuit Attractions and Hospitality, Inc. (“Pursuit” or the “Company”). KeyBanc Capital Markets acted as Joint Lead Arranger and Co-Syndication Agent.

Pursuit Attractions and Hospitality, Inc. is an attractions and hospitality company. The Company offers a diverse portfolio including world-class attractions, distinctive lodges, sightseeing tours, wildlife safaris in national parks, and immersive FlyOver flight ride experiences in the United States, Canada, Iceland, and Costa Rica. The Company's customers include individuals and groups seeking immersive and unforgettable experiences in iconic destinations.

On September 18, 2025, KeyBanc Capital Markets served as Joint Bookrunner on Pattern Group Inc.’s (Pattern or the Company) $300 million Initial Public Offering of 21,428,572 shares, excluding overallotment.

Pattern accelerates brands on global e-commerce marketplaces leveraging proprietary technology and AI. Utilizing more than 46 trillion data points, sophisticated machine learning and AI models, Pattern optimizes and automates all levers of e-commerce growth for global brands, including advertising, content management, logistics and fulfillment, pricing, forecasting and customer service. Hundreds of global brands depend on the Company’s e-commerce acceleration platform every day to drive profitable revenue growth across 60+ global marketplaces — including Amazon, Walmart.com, Target.com, eBay, Tmall, TikTok Shop, JD, and Mercado Libre.