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The end of a looming writers' strike and a blockbuster movie have colored a better picture for theater credits. Loews Cineplex's bank debt is now offered at 88, and bids are in the 85 range, according to dealers. In recent weeks market players were anxious about the pending Writers' Guild of America strike and what it might mean to film credits. But with the resolution of the conflict, dealers say the levels should move up. Traders said another factor has been the success of "The Mummy Returns," which has grossed more than $80 million since its release. Loews' bank debt was last quoted at 79-84 (LMW, 2/4).

Bear Stearns is seeking commitments for a $25 million add-on to the term loan "B" of Santa Barbara, Calif.-based INAMED Corporation, the silicone and collagen implant specialist. Bear Stearns led the company's first foray into the syndicated market last spring, with a $107.5 million secured facility, split between a $25 million revolver and a $82.5 million term loan "B". Mike Doty, cfo and v.p., for INAMED, said the revolver stays at $25 million, with the amendment made to the "B". The increase will fund a capital expenditure program, including a major facility expansion in Santa Barbara. Pricing for the five-year credit is LIBOR plus 3 3/4 %, with a basis point added for the term loan enhancement, said Doty. On Feb. 1 next year the firm can pay down the loan without penalty, though a refinancing is also being considered.

Credit Suisse First Boston is the market's best par loan trading desk and Goldman Sachs is the top distressed shop, according to Loan Market Week's annual survey of institutional investors. CSFB, which ingested reigning champ Donaldson, Lufkin & Jenrette, barely edged Chase Securities. Deutsche Banc Alex. Brown nipped at the heels of Goldman, which won the distressed category for the third year in a row.

Dialysis provider, DaVita, Inc., formerly Total Renal Care, Inc., two weeks ago closed its $400 million bank deal through Credit Suisse First Boston and Bank of America. The credit was re-structured to benefit from bond market receptivity to health care as the pro rata portion of the deal struggled in the wake of an overall sluggish pro rata market. Richard Whitney, cfo, explained that the bond market and institutional response to the oversubscribed $175 million "B" portion of the loan prompted the company to reduce its bank deal from $500 million to $400 million and increase its bond deal from $200 million to $225 million. Additionally, the company responded to the blow out on its "B" term by upsizing its "B" by $25 million and trimming "B" pricing to LIBOR plus 2 3/4 %--down 50 basis points--to put it on par with pro rata pricing.

Memphis-based dealer First Tennessee Capital Markets has hired corporate bond analyst Michael Dahood away from cross-town rival Morgan Keegan. Dahood, who joined three weeks ago and reports to fixed income trading chief Louis "Deke" Iglehart, says his focus is on developing both proprietary and customer oriented research for secondary trading opportunities. He notes the firm is trying to build on its strength in the trading and sale of callable agency bonds, and will concentrate primarily in the industrial-grade sector.

Martin Fridson, chief high yield strategist at Merrill Lynch in New York, expects high-yield spreads to treasuries to narrow 25 basis points in the event of a 50 basis point cut in short-term rates, which is expected this week. The move reflects the thinking that a cut will drive investors into junk funds in search of yield, and that low rates make it cheaper for dealers to borrow money to take on inventory, thereby improving secondary market liquidity.

A series of small trades of Harnischfeger Industries' bank debt has pushed the price up to 50 as the market smells an exit from Chapter 11 bankruptcy soon and vultures see an equity play. Ken Hiltz, cfo, said the company recently went through three days of confirmation hearings in bankruptcy court. "We're just awaiting a judge's decision. We're optimistic about it," he said, adding that the company submitted a reorganization plan in December to its creditors and that it was voted on and approved.

The hedge funds sector is starting to move toward getting public rating, motivated in part by mitigating fears of counterparty risk. Nevertheless, counterparty ratings by Standard & Poor's and Fitch Inc., as well as ratings of the hedge funds themselves by Fitch, can provide the greater openness for which institutional investors are looking.

IMC Global is seeking a $500 million credit facility to pay down an existing $800 million credit. Company officials are also currently on a road show to issue $500 million in bonds, to pay down existing debt. The new deal will break down into a $250 million revolver and $250 million term loan "B". The loan deal mature in five years. According to Dave Prichard, v.p. investor relations, the new deal has more flexible covenants as compared to the existing facilities. "We view the financing as something that will improve our flexibility with more relaxed covenants," he said. The Lake Forest, Ill.-based company makes fertilizer and livestock feed.

The $230 million refinancing credit for Insignia Financial Group, Inc. is set to close imminently, according to Frank Blanton, v.p. with the New York-based real estate services firm. The three-year revolver, priced at LIBOR plus 2 1/4 %, is a renewal of a previous facility, which will be used for working capital requirements, said Blanton. First Union is administration agent, Lehman Brothers syndication agent and Bank of America documentation agent. These banks had existing and longstanding relationships with Insignia, though B of A is new to a primary role, he noted.

There was a Street trade at 901/4 late last week of a $5 million chunk of Owens Illinois' revolver. While levels are up, dealers say they have topped off due to bank pressure. "A lot of banks have oversized positions and will sell down," said a dealer. Another commented, "It feels like the bank pressure is at the 90 to 92 level. There's just lots of potential supply."

The Australian new issues market is set for a small flurry of activity, following the conclusion of the Transfield Services IPO, the stabilisation of the Australian market and recent rally in the local currency. However, the prospective deals are relatively small and the equity new issue market remains slanted towards secondary market deals rather than IPOs. Moreover, the IPOs remain largely below the size that would entice international fund managers.