Mad Catz Interactive

Introduction

Mad Catz Interactive, Inc. (NYSE MKT/TSX: MCZ) is a global provider of interactive entertainment products. The company caters to passionate gamers under its Mad Catz® (gaming), Tritton® (audio), and Saitek® (simulation) brands. Founded in 1989 and headquartered in San Diego, Mad Catz Interactive maintains operations in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Germany, France, Spain, Sweden, Hong Kong, China, and Japan.

Situation

Mad Catz Interactive was presented with an opportunity to significantly increase annual revenue. However, to seize this opportunity, the company needed additional working capital to fulfill new orders. Their existing lender declined to increase their line of credit, which left the company with no choice but to find a new lending partner.

Due to the seasonal nature of the retail industry, Mad Catz Interactive needed a lender that could structure a flexible financing solution to accommodate the ebb and flow of sales, both in the United States and Europe. Furthermore, the company needed new financing in place in just four weeks.

Mad Catz Interactive enlisted Brooks, Houghton & Company, Inc. to help arrange the new financing.

Solution

Brooks, Houghton & Company introduced Mad Catz Interactive to Newstar Business Credit for domestic financing and to FGI for European financing. The two firms collaborated in providing Mad Catz Interactive with the comprehensive solution they required. In just four weeks, FGI and Newstar were able to conduct their due diligence, audit businesses in the United States and Europe and present a tailored solution that met Mad Catz Interactive’s needs. FGI provided a $10 million line of credit against Mad Catz Interactive’s European inventory and receivables to complement Newstar’s US facility.