The Qatar Investment Authority (QIA) is partnering with Credit Suisse Asset Management to form a multibillion dollar direct private credit platform that will provide financing primarily in the form of secured first and second lien loans to upper middle-market and larger companies in the US and Europe.The platform is part of Credit Suisse Asset Management’s Credit Investments Group (CIG), which is led by Global Head and Chief Investment Officer, John Popp. The CIG team is one of the largest and most experienced providers of leveraged finance solutions in the industry, with approximately USD 60 billion in non-investment grade credit positions. For more than 20 years through various market cycles, CIG has maintained a disciplined approach and demonstrated leading experience in sourcing and servicing credit relationships.
Eric Varvel, Global Head of Asset Management and Chairman of the Investment Bank at Credit Suisse, says: “We believe this strategic partnership with QIA presents unique opportunities for borrowers seeking credit solutions to partner with our Asset Management and Investment Bank franchises. The Credit Investments Group, within Credit Suisse Asset Management, has extensive industry and lending relationships that, when combined with Credit Suisse’s unmatched leveraged finance and financial sponsors franchises, uniquely positions us to provide capital and liquidity to the private credit market.”
Mansoor Al Mahmoud, CEO of QIA: says: “We see significant potential in the growing private credit market and we are excited to once again work with Credit Suisse. This strategic partnership, with one of the foremost leaders in asset management, is aligned with QIA’s objectives as a long-term diversified investor across asset classes both in the US and globally.”
Popp says: “This private credit platform is a natural extension of our business as a leading provider of capital solutions to non-investment grade companies in the US and Western Europe. The current market environment presents an ideal entry point into the private credit space, with capital and liquidity now at a premium.”
