Debt exists in certain tranches, i.e. there will be low interest secured debt, and higher interest unsecured debt. Banks tend to only lend secured debt against assets and/or cashflow. Unsecured debt is often offered by hedge funds (i.e. 6-8-10% instead of 2-4-5%) and is paid down first.
Why do banks love PE deals? Easy: they make a ton of money off of these deals, with moderate risk. If the business goes under, they are first in line to be compensated. If they make 4% on a $500m loan, that's $20m a year.
Why do banks love PE deals? Easy: they make a ton of money off of these deals, with moderate risk. If the business goes under, they are first in line to be compensated. If they make 4% on a $500m loan, that's $20m a year.