Capital One announced that it served as Sole Lead Arranger, Sole Bookrunner and Administrative Agent for a five-year, $200 million senior credit facility to VerticalScope. The facility consists of a $110 million term loan, a $70 million delayed-draw term loan and a $20 million revolving line of credit. VerticalScope will use the facility to refinance existing debt and support future acquisitions.
Established in 1999, VerticalScope is an integrated multi-platform media company that specializes in the acquisition and development of enthusiast websites and online communities. The company focuses on select vertical markets that include automotive, powersports, power equipment, pets, sports and technology. It owns and operates a portfolio of 600+ online sites that generate over 500 million monthly pageviews and 100 million unique monthly visitors.
“Our team worked closely with the company’s leadership to understand their acquisition strategy and long-term growth plans,” said Michael Rhea, Managing Director for Capital One's Technology, Media and Telecommunications (TMT) group. VerticalScope’s business model brings together like-minded, passionate consumers that has resulted in the largest online audience for both auto and powersports. The company’s active registered user base creates high quality, unique user-generated content with broad appeal amongst enthusiasts.
“We were very pleased with the results of the transaction and syndication,” said Rob Laidlaw, CEO at VerticalScope. “Capital One’s deep expertise in digital media made for a smooth transaction from start to finish.”
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