#London #United Kingdom #private credit #DunPort #Vertis

Vertis Capital Partners Partners with DunPort to Boost European Private Credit

In an exciting development for the financial landscape in Europe, Vertis Capital Partners has forged a strategic alliance with DunPort Capital Management, a premier player in the private credit sector. This partnership is not just a business move; it signifies a robust commitment to enhancing private credit solutions tailored for lower mid-market companies across the continent.

An Overview of the Partnership

On May 27, 2025, both companies announced this long-term strategic engagement which involves Vertis acquiring an initial minority interest in DunPort, with potential for increased stakes in the future based on performance milestones. This collaboration aims to leverage DunPort’s solid foundation, which has already facilitated financing exceeding €1.3 billion to 68 borrowers since its inception in 2017.

DunPort has consistently focused on providing flexible financing solutions to companies that typically find it challenging to secure capital. The investment signals a crucial step towards DunPort's ambitious plans for its fourth private credit fund, Willow Corporate Credit DAC, which aims to raise up to €1 billion for expanding its lending footprint across selected European markets.

Enhanced Fundraising Strategies

One of the key facets of this partnership is the focus on institutional fundraising. As part of the deal, DunPort will closely collaborate with Vertis and its affiliate, Henry Costa Partners, a specialist merchant bank with experience in targeted fundraising solutions. The goal is to strategically channel capital from insurers and other long-term investors into the real economy, thereby fostering growth and sustainability in the private credit arena.

This collaboration addresses the increasing demand for private credit as companies seek alternatives to traditional financing avenues, especially during uncertain economic times. By tapping into Vertis' established institutional relationships and expertise, DunPort is poised to enhance its fundraising operations effectively.

Strengthening Governance and Expertise

A notable development accompanying the partnership is the bolstering of DunPort's Board of Directors. The addition of Dermot Browne, a former CEO of Aviva Ireland, and Henrik Matsen from Henry Costa Partners, will inject significant experience and oversight into DunPort's governance structure. Ralf Ackermann, a co-founder of Vertis, will also step into a critical role on DunPort's Investment Committee. This infusion of expertise promises to enhance DunPort's strategic direction and operational capabilities as it embarks on this new phase of growth.

A Vision for the Future

Ralf Ackermann expressed enthusiasm regarding the investment, stating that DunPort's approach characterized by rigorous credit selection is impressive and aligns perfectly with Vertis’ strategy to back high-quality platforms that offer potential for substantial growth.

Pat Walsh, one of DunPort's Executive Directors, emphasized that the partnership marks a pivotal chapter for the firm. He noted that the combination of Vertis’ relationships and Henry Costa’s structuring prowess will undeniably play a pivotal role in scaling their platform and enhancing their operational reach significantly.

This strategic alignment allows DunPort to not only focus on existing markets in Ireland and the UK but also to firmly establish its presence in the Benelux, DACH, and Nordic regions. Their combined strengths are projected to target larger and more complex lower mid-market transactions while adhering to their disciplined investment philosophy, which remains central to their operational success.

As we observe the developments in the private credit landscape, the collaboration between Vertis and DunPort indicates a broader shift towards innovative financing models that accommodate the evolving needs of the mid-market segment in Europe. The future holds promise, and stakeholders will be keenly watching how this partnership shapes the financial landscape in the coming years.