Debenture (Security Document)
Definition
A security document commonly used in UK lending that creates a combination of fixed and floating charges over all or substantially all of a company's assets in favour of a lender. A debenture typically grants fixed charges over specific high-value assets (property, key IP) and a floating charge over the company's remaining assets and undertaking. It is the standard-form security document in UK corporate lending and is registered at Companies House.
Complementary Terms
Concepts that frequently appear alongside Debenture (Security Document) in practice.
A security interest over a specific, identified asset that prevents the borrower from dealing with or disposing of the charged asset without the lender's consent. Fixed charges attach to assets such as land, buildings, specific plant and equipment, or identified intellectual property rights.
A security interest granted by a borrower over its intellectual property assets — including patents, trademarks, copyrights, and trade secrets — as collateral for a loan or other financial obligation. IP charges must typically be registered at both the relevant IP registry (such as the UK Intellectual Property Office or USPTO) and the general security interests registry (Companies House, UCC, or PPSA).
A form of security interest, primarily used in UK and Commonwealth jurisdictions, that attaches to a class of present and future assets of a company (such as stock, receivables, or general business assets) without preventing the company from dealing with those assets in the ordinary course of business. A floating charge 'crystallises' into a fixed charge upon the occurrence of a specified event such as default, appointment of a receiver, or commencement of winding up.
A loan with a specified repayment schedule and maturity date, drawn in full at inception (or in agreed instalments) and repaid through regular principal and interest payments over its term. Term loans may be amortising (with regular principal repayments) or bullet (with principal repaid in full at maturity).
A flexible lending arrangement that allows a borrower to draw down, repay, and redraw funds up to an agreed credit limit over the life of the facility, paying interest only on the amount outstanding plus a commitment fee on the undrawn portion. Revolving credit facilities are the primary source of working capital flexibility for corporate borrowers and are typically secured by a floating charge over the borrower's assets.
A security interest that gives a lender a claim against all of a borrower's assets, both current and future, rather than specific identified collateral. Blanket liens are commonly used in small business lending and working capital facilities where itemising individual assets would be impractical.
Technology that is owned exclusively by a company and not available to competitors, including proprietary algorithms, manufacturing processes, formulations, or technical architectures. Proprietary technology is a high-value intangible asset that creates barriers to entry and supports premium pricing.
A financial metric measuring the proportion of debt in a company's capital structure relative to its earnings, equity, or assets. The most common leverage ratios in corporate finance and lending include net debt to EBITDA, debt to equity, and debt to total assets.
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