Bank of America Merrill Lynch is joint lead arranger, joint bookrunner and syndication agent in a $150 million asset-based revolver to Readerlink Distribution Services (RDS).  Proceeds, in part, were used to acquire Baker & Taylor Marketing Services U.S. (BTMS).

Readerlink is the largest full-service book distribution company to non-trade booksellers in the United States, selling approximately one out of every three trade books sold nationwide. The transaction is expected to bring additional resources to BTMS customers, including an expanded portfolio of tailored products and services and broader category management capabilities.

“We appreciate Bank of America Merrill Lynch’s support in this transaction, which provides us with additional assets and expertise to continue our long-standing, proven commitment to customer service and to help us and our new retail partners succeed in a dynamic and evolving book market,” said Dennis E. Abboud, President and CEO of RDS.

“Our new relationship with Readerlink is a great example of the capability of Bank of America Merrill Lynch to deliver seamless and efficient credit solutions to our clients,” said Jeff McLane, President of Bank of America Business Capital.  “We look forward to helping RDS grow and prosper in the coming years.”

Readerlink Distribution Services, LLC is s a recognized leader in distribution logistics, value-added category management services, field services and business analytics. Readerlink’s solutions include full-service print book distribution, online print book distribution, print on demand and e-book fulfillment. Readerlink is located in Oak Brook, IL.

Bank of America Business Capital is one of the world’s largest asset-based lenders, with more than 10 primary offices serving the United States, Canada and Europe. It provides corporate borrowers with senior secured loans of $10 million or more, cash management, interest rate and foreign exchange risk management, and a broad array of capital markets products.