Lufkin Advisors is close to launching its first collateralized debt obligation, Latitude 1. The deal, underwritten by Banc of America Securities, is reportedly in the $300 million range and scheduled to hit the market within the next two weeks.
Lufkin Advisors is led by Chauncey Lufkin, the former cio of Franklin Advisors' debt group. Lufkin had been senior portfolio manager before being promoted to cio in 2002. He formed Lufkin Advisors in the spring of 2004, shortly after leaving Franklin, and he took on from Franklin bank loan trader Kirk Wallace and a research analyst. Lufkin did not return calls seeking comment.