#None #Oslo #Castlelake #Niam Credit #Nordic Real Estate

Castlelake and Niam Credit's Strategic Partnership

In a significant development for the Nordic real estate market, Castlelake, L.P., a leading alternative investment manager specializing in asset-backed private credit, has unveiled a strategic partnership with Niam Credit. This collaboration aims to provide tailored financing solutions amounting to €1 billion, specifically designed for borrowers across the Nordic region, including Sweden, Norway, Finland, and Denmark.

Meeting Market Demands

The primary objective of this alliance is to fulfill the increasing demand for flexible financing options within the real estate sector. As traditional bank lending has dwindled due to mounting regulatory pressures, Castlelake and Niam Credit are stepping in to offer alternatives. This move not only addresses the needs of borrowers seeking customization in financing but also reinforces the capital support available for a variety of acquisitions and refinancings across different asset classes within the real estate market.

The First Milestone: Oslo Deal

One of the first major milestones achieved by Castlelake and Niam Credit is the closing of a significant transaction valued at NOK 1.9 billion in Oslo, Norway. This deal involves financing a portfolio comprising over 30 prime properties located in Oslo's central district. The portfolio represents a balanced mix of residential, commercial, and medium-stay assets, thereby encapsulating various aspects of real estate investment.

Pontus Sundin, CEO of Niam Credit, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership, highlighting that this marks Niam's inaugural joint venture. He stated, "We are thrilled to combine our local market expertise with Castlelake's global reach to support leading sponsors with substantial capital and customized financing structures. This transaction lays a solid foundation, especially since the Norwegian lending market has faced challenges recently."

Eduardo D'Alessandro, a Partner at Castlelake, echoed this sentiment, stating, "Our collaboration with the Niam Credit team allows us to offer critical financing solutions tailored to the specific requirements of the Nordic market. This venture signifies our commitment to fostering relationships within the European real estate sector, while providing investors access to compelling opportunities across various regions."

Castlelake's Proven Track Record

Castlelake has a rich history in asset-based opportunities across Europe, dating back to 2006. Over the years, the firm has successfully invested more than €7.2 billion across 18 European countries, maintaining an impressive portfolio of over 8,000 assets. This strong track record speaks to the firm’s deep understanding of the market dynamics and its ability to generate value for its investors.

About Castlelake and Niam Credit

Founded in 2005, Castlelake, L.P. manages nearly $24 billion in assets on behalf of a diverse global investor base. The firm's team comprises over 220 professionals, including 80 dedicated investment experts, spread across seven offices worldwide.

On the other hand, Niam Credit is recognized as the largest commercial real estate debt manager in the Nordics, managing SEK 25 billion and offering a variety of innovative financing solutions tailored to the evolving needs of the real estate sector. The company is committed to integrating sustainability and social responsibility into its financing strategies.

As both companies embark on this strategic partnership, they aim to not only reshape the Nordic real estate financing landscape but also create new opportunities for investors and borrowers alike, fostering growth and innovation in this vital market sector.