Horizon Technology Finance Corporation and Monroe Capital Corporation Announce Shareholder Approvals of Merger
FARMINGTON, Conn. and CHICAGO, March 16, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Horizon Technology Finance Corporation (“HRZN”; NASDAQ: HRZN) announced today that its shareholders, at a special meeting held on March 13, 2026, approved the issuance of HRZN’s common stock (the “HRZN Share Issuance Proposal”) in connection with the proposed merger of Monroe Capital Corporation (NASDAQ: MRCC) (“MRCC”) with and into HRZN (the “Merger”). In addition, MRCC announced today that its shareholders, at a special meeting held on March 13, 2026, approved: (1) the proposed Merger and (2) the related proposed sale of substantially all of MRCC’s assets to Monroe Capital Income Plus Corporation (“MCIP”) at fair value for cash (the “Asset Sale”).
HRZN shareholders voted overwhelmingly in favor of the HRZN Share Issuance Proposal, with more than 83% of voting shareholders supporting the proposal. MRCC shareholders similarly voted overwhelmingly in favor of the proposed transactions, with more than 88% of voting shareholders supporting the Merger and the Asset Sale.
As previously announced, prior to the effectiveness of the Merger, MCIP will purchase for cash substantially all of the assets of MRCC at their fair value, as determined shortly before closing. Following the closing of the Asset Sale to MCIP, MRCC will merge with and into HRZN, with HRZN as the surviving public entity, which will continue to be managed by Horizon Technology Finance Management LLC (“HTFM”) and continue to trade on the NASDAQ under the symbol “HRZN”. The closing of the Asset Sale and the subsequent Merger are subject to the satisfaction of customary closing conditions.
HRZN and MRCC will announce at a later date the anticipated closing date for the Merger, which they expect to be within the next 30 days.
“We are very pleased to receive the strong support from our shareholders for the proposed merger with HRZN,” said Theodore L. Koenig, Chairman and CEO of Monroe Capital. “We believe this transaction is in the best interest of shareholders of both MRCC and HRZN, unlocking significant value within MRCC, while positioning the combined HRZN platform with the enhanced growth capital to advance its long-term strategic initiatives. We expect the merger to generate meaningful synergies, cost efficiencies and the potential for stronger, more sustainable risk-adjusted returns for shareholders. Supported by Monroe Capital, a leading asset manager with approximately $24 billion in AUM, the combined entity will be well positioned to accelerate HRZN’s next phase of growth and create enduring value for all stakeholders.”
“We appreciate our shareholders’ strong approval, which marks an important step forward as we prepare for the next phase of Horizon’s growth,” said Mike Balkin, Chief Executive Officer of Horizon Technology Finance Corporation. “Once the merger is completed, we expect the combined company will strengthen our position in the venture lending market by increasing our scale, enhancing our earnings potential, and expanding our capacity to support innovative, high growth companies. We believe these advantages will help drive long term value for our shareholders and reinforce Horizon’s role as a leading financing partner to the innovation economy.”
Summary Transaction Terms
About Horizon Technology Finance Corporation
Horizon Technology Finance Corporation (NASDAQ: HRZN) is a leading specialty finance company that provides secured loans to venture capital-backed companies in the technology, life-science, healthcare information & services, and sustainability industries. HRZN is externally managed by Horizon Technology Finance Management LLC, an affiliate of Monroe Capital LLC.
About Monroe Capital Corporation
Monroe Capital Corporation is an externally managed, publicly traded BDC (NASDAQ: MRCC) that primarily invests in senior, unitranche and junior secured debt of U.S. middle-market companies. Its investment adviser is Monroe Capital BDC Advisors, LLC, a registered investment adviser and affiliate of Monroe Capital LLC.
Forward Looking Statements
Some of the statements in this communication constitute forward-looking statements because they relate to future events, future performance or financial condition of MRCC or HRZN or the proposed sale of assets by MRCC to MCIP and the proposed merger of MRCC with and into HRZN. All statements, other than historical facts, including but not limited to statements regarding the expected timing of the closing of the proposed transactions; the expected timing or amount of payments of dividends or distributions by MRCC and/or HRZN, including all or any portion of the Pre-Merger Closing Distribution or the HRZN Supplemental Distributions; the ability of the parties to complete the proposed transactions; the expected benefits of the proposed transactions such as improved operations, enhanced revenues and cash flow, growth potential, market profile and financial strength; the competitive ability and position of the surviving companies following completion of the proposed transactions; and any assumptions underlying any of the foregoing, are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements concern future circumstances and results and other statements that are not historical facts and are sometimes identified by the words “may,” “will,” “should,” “potential,” “intend,” “expect,” “endeavor,” “seek,” “anticipate,” “estimate,” “overestimate,” “underestimate,” “believe,” “could,” “project,” “predict,” “continue,” “target” or other similar words or expressions. Forward-looking statements are based upon current plans, estimates and expectations that are subject to risks, uncertainties and assumptions. Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or should underlying assumptions prove to be incorrect, actual events and results may vary materially from those indicated or anticipated by such forward-looking statements. The inclusion of such statements should not be regarded as a representation that such plans, estimates or expectations will be achieved. Certain factors could cause actual results and conditions to differ materially from those projected, including, without limitation, the uncertainties associated with considerations that may be disclosed from time to time in MRCC’s and HRZN’s publicly disseminated documents and filings. HRZN and MRCC have based the forward-looking statements included in this communication on information available to them on the date hereof, and neither HRZN, MRCC nor their affiliates assume any obligation to update any such forward-looking statements. Although HRZN and MRCC undertake no obligation to revise or update any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, you are advised to consult any additional disclosures that HRZN and MRCC may make directly to you or through reports that they have filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”), or in the future may file with the SEC, including annual reports on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q and current reports on Form 8-K, as well as in the combined joint proxy statement for HRZN and MRCC and prospectus of HRZN (the “Joint Proxy Statement”), which was previously filed with the SEC and made available to shareholders, and HRZN’s registration statement on Form N-14 (File No. 333-290114), of which the Joint Proxy Statement forms part.
No Offer or Solicitation
This document is not, and under no circumstances is it to be construed as, a prospectus or an advertisement, and the communication of this document is not, and under no circumstances is it to be construed as, an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to purchase any securities in HRZN or MRCC or in any fund or other investment vehicle managed by Monroe Capital LLC or any of its affiliates.
Contacts
Horizon Technology Finance Corporation
Investor Relations:
ICR
Garrett Edson
ir@horizontechfinance.com
(646) 200-8885
Media Relations:
ICR
Chris Gillick
HorizonPR@icrinc.com
(646) 677-1819
Monroe Capital Corporation
Investor Relations:
Mick Solimene
Chief Financial Officer & Chief Investment Officer
msolimene@monroecap.com
(312) 598-8401
Media Relations:
Daniel Abramson
Gregory
daniel.abramson@gregoryagency.com
(857) 305-8441