MGG Investment Group (MGG), a private direct lending investment firm, has appointed Eran Cohen, former Managing Director on the loan originations team at Wells Fargo Capital Finance, as a Managing Director. Cohen is based in Chicago and reports to Chief Executive Officer and Chief Investment Officer Kevin Griffin.
Cohen has nearly 30 years of credit transaction experience, including originating loans across the capital structure to middle market businesses throughout market cycles for private equity firms, large corporations, turnarounds, and distressed companies. Cohen is MGG’s fourth senior hire over the past year, joining Managing Directors Patrick Flynn, former Managing Director at Carl Marks Advisors, Daniel Leger, former Head of Strategic Planning and Client Services at Akre Capital Management, and Dale Stohr, former Portfolio Manager at Ellington Management.
Griffin says: “We are pleased to welcome an executive of Eran’s caliber to MGG. Eran’s deep understanding of middle market lending and extensive relationships will enhance our loan origination capabilities. Furthermore, our ability to attract senior talent during this uncertain time is a testament to the strength of our platform, differentiated investment approach and best-in-class team. The current market environment favors our disciplined, lender-friendly investment strategy and we are eager to put capital to work while providing certainty and surety to borrowers.”
At Wells Fargo Capital Finance, Cohen generated over USD30 billion in commitments during his 15-year tenure. Most recently, he managed a team of 13 professionals for the loan originations platform covering private equity and privately-held companies in various industries across the central and south-central United States, with a focus on senior and unitranche credit opportunities. Before that, Cohen was a partner with Monroe Capital, successor fund to Hilco Capital, where he was responsible for deal sourcing, investment structuring, underwriting and execution of fund investments. Previously, he served as the Midwest Regional Underwriting Manager of FINOVA Capital Corporation, and as a Chief Financial Officer and consultant for two private companies. Cohen earned a BBA from the University of Iowa and MBA from Loyola University. He spent 10 years as a board member of the Kohl Children’s Museum.
