Investment bank Moelis & Company has acquired Freeport Financial Partners, an investment firm that provides financing to middle market companies. The principals of Freeport Financial – Matthew Gerdes, Josh Howie, Stephen Papalas, and Joseph Walker – will join Moelis to manage funds that will provide capital across all sectors to middle market companies owned by private equity sponsors.
“Freeport is very pleased to join forces with Moelis & Company to provide greater opportunities to our clients. We believe the extensive Moelis network, in particular the firm’s relationships with financial sponsors, will be very valuable to our investors,” said Josh Howie, Managing Director of Freeport.
Freeport Financial, which will continue to be based in Chicago and operate under the same name, has an established platform that originates, underwrites and manages middle market loans. Since 2005, the Freeport team has invested $1.5 billion in 79 platform investments.
“We believe that middle market companies are a growing but underserved segment. Today’s markets offer limited capital solutions to this segment and therefore we expect that middle market lending will offer investors superior risk adjusted returns,” said Ken Moelis, Chief Executive Officer of Moelis & Company. “Freeport will enable us to provide another unique investment opportunity to institutional clients and serve the financing needs of private equity investors, and the management teams they support. Building in this space has always been part of our growth strategy as it will enhance our commitment to be a leading global investment bank that is focused on long-term, trusted relationships.”
Moelis & Company is a global investment bank that provides financial advisory, capital raising and asset management services to corporations, institutions and governments. With more than 580 employees, Moelis & Company serves its clients through offices in New York, Beijing, Boston, Chicago, Dubai, Frankfurt, Hong Kong, Houston, London, Los Angeles, Mumbai and Sydney (www.moelis.com).
“With the acquisition of Freeport Financial, we have acquired a highly reputable team that has a successful track record in middle market lending. Freeport’s commitment to clients makes for a great fit with us. We welcome the Freeport team to Moelis & Company and look forward to growing our business in this area,” said Chris Ryan, Managing Director of Moelis & Company.
© 2012 PEPD • Private Equity’s Leading News Magazine • 10-4-12
