Using the search function
Search factors – there are 20 parameters in the advanced search, including status date, status, deal name, and so on. You can use up to 10 of these factors when you search for deals. BenchBase will let you know when you pick too many.
Tick boxes – the tick boxes next to the different search parameters dictate what columns/what information you see in your search results. To see the maximum 10 columns, leave all tick boxes ticked.
'Clear results' – this clears the factors you’ve ticked to search by. For example, if you ticked to search by margin and sector, but then decide to search by deal name, you can ‘clear results’ to delete margin and sector.
'Clear criteria' – this clears the options you’ve selected within factors. For example, if you start to search for deals in 2011 and then decide you want to search in 2010, you can ‘clear criteria’ to delete those preliminary dates you selected.
'Clear all' – this completely clears the advanced search page. That is, it clears the factors you’ve ticked e.g. status date, as well as the options you’ve selected within factors e.g. 2005 till 2010.
Searching by lead arranger, lender legal counsel etc – You will see two boxes and underneath them a filter. Filter the thousands of results by typing in the left hand filter. For example, you may choose to search by sponsor and filter for Barclays.
Once Barclays appears in the left hand box, highlight the options you want. To highlight multiple options use the shift button on your keyboard. Or to highlight a few options only, use the Ctrl key.
You can then use the arrows to move the highlighted options into the right hand box. If you’re happy with these, you can simply search now.
Or, if you wish to remove certain sponsors from your list in the right hand box, highlight the options you want. (Again to highlight multiple options use the shift button on your keyboard. Or to highlight a few options only, use the Ctrl key). Then simply use the arrows to move the highlighted options leftwards.
Search results
The columns in your results – the columns you see in your search results are determined by which tick boxes are ticked in the underlying search. To see the maximum 10 columns in your search results, have all tick boxes ticked on the Advanced search page.
Refine your search results – If you need to narrow your search results down further you can simply click ‘refine your search’. This will take you back to the advanced search page, where you can your amends.
Too many search results – In addition to refining your search results (see above), there is another way to look at just a few results: simply filter by keywords using the search box.
Individual deal records
How to view deal records – From your search results you can view an individual deal by clicking ‘View details’. (You can also click on individual deals on the scatter graphs).
The deal records – From individual deal records you can click on any firm name written in blue, e.g. on the deal record below you would be able to click on Brookfield Asset Management. You’ll then see all the deals that Brookfield has been involved with.
Saving a deal – by clicking ‘bookmark deal’ you save that particular deal record and it will appear on the BenchBase homepage whenever you’re logged in. (You can delete the deal at any time by clicking the cross).
Updating deal information – you can request that information be updated on a particular deal. Simply click ‘Update deal information’ and this will bring up a comment form. Please let us know of any amends you have using this form. Alternatively, you can email skeating@euromoneyplc.com.
Technical queries
Difficulties with the database – Get in touch with our sales team right away on +44 (0) 20 7779 8284 or benchbase@projectfinancemagazine.com
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