Morgan Stanley Launches $300M ATM Offering with Ropes & Gray's Guidance

Deal News | Apr 07, 2025 | Ropes & Gray

On March 31, Morgan Stanley Direct Lending Fund launched a $300 million at-the-market (ATM) offering. The move was facilitated by Ropes & Gray, who acted as advisors to the sales agents involved in the process. Morgan Stanley Direct Lending Fund, functioning as a business development company, aims to achieve significant risk-adjusted returns by investing mainly in directly originated senior secured term loans to U.S. middle-market businesses. The ATM offering aligns with their strategy to capitalize on diverse investment opportunities while navigating the current business landscape.

Sectors

  • Financial Services
  • Investment Banking

Geography

  • United States – The article primarily involves U.S.-based entities and investments, particularly in U.S. middle-market companies.

Industry

  • Financial Services – The article focuses on the financial services industry, specifically related to business development companies and direct lending funds.
  • Investment Banking – Morgan Stanley's involvement in the $300 million ATM offering places the event squarely within the sphere of investment banking activities.

Financials

  • $300 million – The total amount raised through the at-the-market (ATM) offering by Morgan Stanley Direct Lending Fund.

Participants

NameRoleTypeDescription
Morgan Stanley Direct Lending FundTargetCompanyA business development company targeting high risk-adjusted returns through investments in directly originated senior secured term loans.
Ropes & GrayLegal AdvisorCompanyServed as legal advisors to the sales agents in the ATM offering conducted by Morgan Stanley Direct Lending Fund.