CIT Leads $118.5 Million Financing for North Carolina Solar Project

Rhea-AI Summary

CIT Group Inc. (NYSE: CIT) announced its role as lead arranger in a $118.5 million financing for the Harts Mill Solar project in Edgecombe County, North Carolina. This project, developed in partnership with Kayne Anderson Capital Advisors and Pine Gate Renewables, will supply energy to the PJM Interconnection grid. CIT's continued prominence in renewable energy lending was highlighted by its close collaboration with project partners. The financing package includes cash management and capital markets services, signifying CIT's commitment to supporting renewable energy expansion in the U.S.

Positive

• CIT arranged $118.5 million for Harts Mill Solar, enhancing its renewable energy portfolio.
• Collaboration with Kayne Anderson Capital Advisors and Pine Gate Renewables supports strong market positioning.
• CIT recognized as a top renewable energy lender, reinforcing competitive advantage.

Negative

• None.

NEW YORK, July 7, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- CIT Group Inc. (NYSE: CIT) today announced that its Power and Energy business served as lead arranger on a $118.5 million financing for the utility-scale Harts Mill Solar project in Edgecombe County, North Carolina.

The project is owned by Kayne Anderson Capital Advisors L.P., a leading alternative investment manager, and marks their first solar investment supplying the PJM Interconnection grid. Kayne has partnered with Birch Creek Development and Pine Gate Renewables, a successful utility-scale solar developer based in Asheville, North Carolina. Pine Gate EPC will also be constructing the 112-megawatt facility.

In leading this financing, CIT extends its track record as one of the top renewable energy lenders nationwide, according to market research firm Inframation, an Acuris company.

"We are very pleased to have closed the Harts Mill financing, and greatly appreciate CIT's expertise and agility in successfully leading this important financing," said Jon Levinson, Managing Partner and co-head of Renewables at Kayne. "We look forward to continuing to execute on our robust pipeline of opportunities, particularly in U.S. solar."

"CIT was pleased to work closely with Kayne Anderson and Pine Gate Renewables in arranging financing to bring this project to fruition," said Mike Lorusso, managing director and group head for CIT's Power and Energy business. "We are proud to play a role in supporting the continued expansion of renewable power throughout the U.S."

In connection with the financing, CIT is providing a package of cash management and capital markets services.

Power and Energy, part of CIT's Commercial Finance division, leverages its deep industry knowledge and expertise to offer comprehensive financing solutions for renewable and conventional power generation. The unit manages a large, diverse portfolio that includes investments in all asset classes across the energy sector.

About CIT
CIT is a leading national bank focused on empowering businesses and personal savers with the financial agility to navigate their goals. CIT Group Inc. (NYSE: CIT) is a financial holding company with over a century of experience and operates a principal bank subsidiary, CIT Bank, N.A. (Member FDIC, Equal Housing Lender). The company's commercial banking segment includes commercial financing, community association banking, middle market banking, equipment and vendor financing, factoring, railcar financing, treasury and payments services, and capital markets and asset management. CIT's consumer banking segment includes a national direct bank and regional branch network. Discover more at cit.com/about.

About Kayne Anderson
Kayne Anderson Capital Advisors is a leading alternative investment management firm focused on infrastructure, real estate, credit and private equity.  Kayne's investment philosophy is to pursue niches, with an emphasis on cash flow, where the firm's knowledge and sourcing advantages enable an ability to deliver above average, risk-adjusted investment returns.  Kayne manages over $27 billion in assets (as of 3/31/20) for institutional investors, family office, high net worth and retail clients and employs nearly 370 professionals in five offices across the U.S.

About Pine Gate Renewables
About Pine Gate Renewables Pine Gate Renewables is a developer, owner, and operator of utility-scale solar farms with 400+ MWs of operational sites across the country. To learn more about Pine Gate and their mission to Get Solar Done, visit www.pgrenewables.com.

MEDIA RELATIONS: 
John M. Moran
212-461-5507
john.moran@cit.com

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SOURCE CIT Group Inc.

FAQ

What amount did CIT arrange for the Harts Mill Solar project?

CIT arranged $118.5 million for the Harts Mill Solar project.

Who are the partners involved in the Harts Mill Solar financing?

The partners involved are Kayne Anderson Capital Advisors and Pine Gate Renewables.

What is the significance of the Harts Mill Solar project?

It marks Kayne Anderson's first solar investment supplying the PJM Interconnection grid.

How does CIT's role in renewable energy financing impact its market position?

CIT's role solidifies its reputation as a leading renewable energy lender.