Antares Capital announced is serving as administrative agent and sole lead arranger on a $72 million senior secured credit facility to support the acquisition of Pathway Partners Vet Holding LLC (“Pathway”) by investment funds managed by Morgan Stanley Global Private Equity (collectively, “MSPE”).

Founded by Dr. Jasen Trautwein in Austin, TX and led by CEO Shawn McVey, Pathway is a leading veterinary hospital owner and operator. Pathway owns over 30 general and specialty veterinary hospitals, providing systems and processes to enhance productivity and improve medical services while maintaining the practice’s local culture and community identity.

“The Antares team has delivered a financing structure designed for growth and flexibility,” said Aaron Sack, co-head of Morgan Stanley Global Private Equity. “We value the considerable veterinary sector knowledge and experience they bring to the transaction, and we are pleased to have the opportunity to work with them.”

“Pathway’s strong management team and quality-focused business model have made them an industry leader in a rapidly consolidating market,” said Diane Burton, managing director with Antares. “We are excited to work closely with MSPE on this investment, and we look forward to supporting MSPE and Pathway as they execute on their growth plans for the company.”

Antares Capital is a leading provider of financing solutions for middle-market, private equity-backed transactions with offices in Atlanta, Chicago, Los Angeles, New York, Norwalk (Connecticut) and Toronto. Antares has facilitated more than $120 billion in financing over the past five years. Antares was named 2015 Dealmakers of the Year and 2014 Lender of the Year by Mergers & Acquisitions.