Lazard and Arini Form Strategic Partnership for EMEA Private Credit Sourcing
Lazard, Inc. (NYSE: LAZ), a globally recognized financial advisory and asset management firm, has partnered with Arini Capital Management (“Arini”), a leading alternative credit manager, to expand direct lending solutions for borrowers across the EMEA region. This collaboration signifies a significant step in both firms’ commitment to enhancing private credit opportunities and delivering flexible financing solutions to corporate clients and institutional investors.
Expanding Lazard’s Debt Advisory and Capital Solutions Services
The newly established alliance enhances Lazard’s already robust debt advisory and capital solutions offerings. Through this partnership, Lazard’s corporate and sponsor advisory clients will gain access to a new source of flexible financing solutions, providing them with expanded opportunities to secure capital. Moreover, Lazard Asset Management will now have the ability to introduce its clients to Arini’s innovative private credit strategy, further strengthening influence in the evolving private credit sector.
Arini’s Access to Lazard’s Origination Network
This strategic collaboration grants Arini access to Lazard’s extensive origination activities for mid-cap borrowers across the EMEA region. Subject to Lazard’s regulatory duties and client consent conditions, this alliance will play a pivotal role in launching Arini’s European Direct Lending strategy. The core focus of Arini Direct Lending is to provide customized direct lending solutions across the European middle market. This initiative builds upon Arini’s well-established track record in European credit markets and aims to solidify its position as a key player in private credit investment.
A notable aspect of Arini’s European Direct Lending fund is its strong backing from institutional investors, including a planned anchor investment by British Columbia Investment Management Corporation (BCI). Additional institutional investors are expected to join this initiative, reinforcing confidence in Arini’s ability to execute a successful and scalable direct lending strategy.
Leadership Perspectives on the Alliance
Peter R. Orszag, CEO and Chairman of Lazard, emphasized the importance of this partnership, stating, recognized for our trusted insights that support clients across Advisory and Asset Management in their most strategic initiatives and financial decisions. This relationship with Arini embodies our commitment to providing clients with relevant, differentiated solutions and aligns with long-term objectives as outlined in Lazard 2030.”
Hamza Lemssouguer, Founder and Chief Investment Officer of Arini, highlighted the convergence of public and private credit markets, adding, “Arini has deep roots in European and global credit markets, where we have seen significant shifts. We are excited to collaborate with sector, country, and product bankers across Europe to provide financing opportunities with the goal of generating strong risk-adjusted returns for our investors.”
Private Capital’s Growing Importance in Europe
Jean-Louis Girodolle, Co-Head of European Investment Banking at Lazard, stressed the increasing relevance of private capital to European clients, noting that the partnership with Arini reflects Lazard’s commitment to offering innovative financial solutions. Similarly, Mathew Cestar, President of Arini, pointed to longstanding history in serving European clients and emphasized the role of experienced private credit professionals in structuring effective lending solutions.
Cyrus Kapadia, Co-Head of European Investment Banking at Lazard, reinforced the value of the partnership, stating, “Our commitment to providing independent financing advice to European clients is enhanced by Arini’s expertise in fundamental credit investing. This partnership complements Lazard’s existing capabilities in private credit.”
Institutional Endorsement from BCI
Daniel Garant, Executive Vice President & Global Head of Public Markets at BCI, expressed strong support for the alliance, commenting, “We believe that positioning Arini’s credit investment capabilities alongside origination efforts creates a highly differentiated and scalable approach to European direct lending, particularly in the core middle market. BCI is excited to make this significant long-term investment in this growing sector.”
A Framework for Collaboration
Lazard and Arini have formalized their partnership through a cooperation and sourcing agreement, outlining the responsibilities of each firm within the alliance. While Arini will maintain full autonomy over the investment process, it will leverage non-exclusive sourcing activity alongside its own proprietary deal origination strategy. This structure ensures that both firms can effectively collaborate while maintaining operational independence.
