Managers look east as Asian credit fundraising takes off
Several asset managers have outlined plans for growth in Asia as one of their foremost priorities this year.

Pemberton closes strategic credit opportunity strategy at €1 billion
Pemberton has closed its first fund dedicated to strategic credit opportunities today

California pension approves $20 million for open-ended private debt fund
The commitment comes two months after Santa Barbara County Employees’ Retirement System mandated $25 million to a THL Credit 

Pennsylvania pension commits $150 million to European credit funds
Pennsylvania State Employees’ Retirement System approved $975 million of investments at its 24 April meeting

Jefferies subsidiary and Stonyrock plan mid-market alternative manager stake acquisitions
The new joint venture will invest in private equity, credit, hedge funds, real estate, venture, and infrastructure firms

Maryland pension carves out private debt bucket
The Baltimore pension fund has also mandated a total of $25 million to one direct lending fund and one distressed debt fund 

Neuberger Berman holds $1.7 billion final close for private credit fund
The strategy more than doubles fundraising for its predecessor fund NB Private Debt Fund II, which closed in October 2017 with $750 million

PE firm Veritas turns towards credit opportunities
Veritas Capital Management is yet another manager looking to augment its investment offerings and – like several other private equity houses – the firm has turned towards credit

Crescent targets $1 billion for US unitranche fund
Crescent Capital has held a first close for its Crescent Private Credit Partners Unitranche Fund

Northleaf raises over $500 million for open-ended private credit fund
Structured as an evergreen fund, Northleaf states that the strategy will “enhance liquidity options compared to traditional private credit fund structures”

Ninepoint teams up with US direct lender for fund launch
The move comes after the Canadian asset manager launched a new trade finance fund earlier this week

China-focused private credit fund gains $626 million
Dignari Capital Partners has held a $626 million final close for its second private credit fund

Credit funds at a glance

A round-up of fundraising and people moves in credit

Muzinich launches multi-strategy credit fund with Italian wealth manager
Available for retail investors, the fund will invest in syndicated loans, private debt and high yield. It will be structured as a European Long-Term Investment Fund

Italian manager launches fund for private debt opportunities
DeA Capital Alternative Funds, an Italian asset manager, has launched an alternatives fund to target global private debt investments, along with investments in private equity and infrastructure  

US pension backs Vista credit fund
Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund (IMRF) has approved a $50 million commitment to Vista Credit Partners Fund III, according to documents from the March board of trustees meeting  

Värde partners with Guber on €734 million NPL deal
Värde Partners along with Guber Banca have led a group of investors to make a joint acquisition of a €734 non-performing loan portfolio originated by 22 mutual, rural, and cooperative banks spread throughout Italy  

UK pension allocates £900 million to four private debt managers
The £21.9 billion pension fund has awarded £900 million to three private debt managers and one real estate debt manager, according to 6 March board minutes

Unlevered direct lending funds bring in first-time investors
Unlevered direct lending funds are particularly appealing to first-time investors and one of the biggest managers in the business has taken note of this

Beechbrook completes £128 million first close for UK direct lending fund
The manager's second UK-focused sponsorless fund has gained the attention of British Business Bank 

Texas pension commits $200 million to credit
Texas County and District Retirement System (TCDRS) has earmarked $200 million for investments in strategic credit and direct lending in 2019, according to board documents seen by Creditflux  

Alantra holds interim close for second debt fund
The Spanish direct lender has also increased its target size for the strategy to a €175 million

Alaska pension commits $545 million to seven credit funds
Alaska Permanent Fund Corporation has earmarked $545 million to funds across the credit spectrum across Q2, according to 27 February board documentation

Californian pension eyes commitment to THL direct lending fund
RVK, the general investment consultant of the Santa Barbara County Employees’ Retirement System (SBCERS), has recommended the $2.8 billion US pension fund commit up to $25 million to THL Credit Direct Lending Fund IV

Apera closes inaugural private debt fund at €750 million
The fund surpasses its original €650 million target size