I avoided saying this is an LBO because persnickety finance folks may observe that the debt structure expected under the traditional definition of the term is q

I avoided saying this is an LBO because persnickety finance folks may observe that the debt structure expected under the traditional definition of the term is quite particular, viz. that the acquired/merged entity ends up liable for the debt (either directly or as security), but there's language in the article strongly insinuating that the debt in this case was issued separately by the author's partnership, whose structure isn't apparent, but is evidently distinct. But, otherwise, yes indeed, quite so, the category of acquisition funded by debt is very well understood, the varieties extensively studied and practiced. So much so as to be taught in M&A 101, and my expression that it is unremarkable arises from this utter lack of novelty.