Blackstone’s Encore to Raise $500 Million of Preferred Equity

Blackstone Inc.-backed Encore Group USA is looking to raise at least $500 million of preferred equity as it works with Goldman Sachs Group Inc. to deal with loans that are set to come due in the next two years, according to people familiar with matter.

The audio-visual and event services company has a combined $2.5 billion of loans due in 2025 and 2026, according to data compiled by Bloomberg. The company, formerly known as PSAV, has been exploring its options ahead of those maturities.

Blackstone and Goldman Sachs declined to comment and the company referred all questions to Blackstone. ...