European Mid-Market Direct Lending Manager of the Year

Ares 

Ares is a leading global alternative investment manager with ~$419bn AUM1, of which ~$68bn in European Direct Lending. Ares started its European Direct Lending business in 2007 gaining a first mover differentiation in a growing market that we believe benefits from the continued supply / demand imbalance in European credit. We seek to make self-originated debt investments in European companies to support growth, acquisitions, refinancings and the changing needs of our portfolio companies, while maintaining control positions in the capital structure. The Ares European Direct Lending team primarily focuses on companies in defensive industries with high free cash flow. We continue to leverage our demonstrated team capabilities with approximately 902 dedicated and experienced investment professionals, including ~20 portfolio management professionals, across six originating offices in Europe.  

1. As of December 31, 2023. AUM amounts include funds managed by Ivy Hill Asset Management, LP., a wholly owned portfolio company of Ares Capital Corporation and registered investment adviser. 
2. As of March 21, 2024. Includes offers accepted.   

Eurazeo 

Eurazeo is one of the most established alternatives platforms in Europe with more than €35bn in assets under management. The firm’s direct lending strategy has invested c. €7.0bn into over 200 companies across Europe since 2009. Eurazeo was one of the two most active direct lenders in Europe in 2023, investing €1.1bn across 40 separate transactions, with 60%+ of these deals outside of France. Buy-and-build activity was significant, with c.20 add-on transactions financed by Eurazeo, representing €300m of additional financing. ESG is fully embedded in the investment strategy, with 100% of direct lending deals throughout the year having sustainability-linked loans. The team also pursued its international expansion with the opening of a 5th office in Milan, following the opening of London in 2022. Last November, Eurazeo closed its sixth direct lending fund at €2.3 billion, exceeding the €2 billion target. This brings the total size of Eurazeo’s current Private Debt program to €3.2 billion. 

Tikehau Capital

• Tikehau Preferred Capital (2012) was liquidated delivering 9.6% net returns in zero-interest rate environment, with 0% realised losses across our Lending platform since inception. 
• TDL vintage VI December 2023 first close of ~€1.1bn, with a vintage target of €4-5bn. 
• Tikehau Private Debt Secondaries II is targeting commitments of $750m, with vintage I an early mover in the Private Debt Secondaries space. 
• Tikehau Capital and Société Générale launched an innovative unit-linked investment solution contributing to reducing companies’ greenhouse-gas emissions. 
• Partnership with MACSF, a leading French Insurer, on an evergreen unit-linked retail product contributing to financing the real economy. 
• Successful refinancing of Dstny (Belgian telco company), having been sole arranger in the original LBO financing. Despite the sponsor exit, we participated in the refinancing of the outstanding unitranche given the strong borrower credentials and demonstrating our commitment to their equity story and long-term prospects. 

Please create an account or sign in to Vote. 

If you voted last year or attended any of our events, you will already have an ION Analytics Community account. Your account will allow you to vote in our awards and register for the Debtwire Private Credit Forum Europe and other events throughout the year.