Clearlake Capital is seeking to triple the size of its credit business to as much as $100bn in assets under management, as the US-based private investment firm looks to scale its presence in the expanding credit markets, according to a report by Bloomberg.
Speaking to media, José E Feliciano, Co-Founder and Managing Partner, said the firm aims to grow its credit platform to between $75bn and $100bn over the next five years. Clearlake currently manages approximately $30bn across private and liquid credit strategies.
The expansion follows the firm’s acquisition of European private credit specialist MV Credit from Natixis Investment Managers. The unit has since been rebranded as Clearlake Credit and will sit alongside Clearlake’s existing credit operations, including CLO manager WhiteStar Asset Management, acquired in 2020.
Clearlake Credit is positioned to underwrite investments of up to $1bn, with a focus on direct lending to private equity-backed companies, as well as structured credit strategies such as collateralised loan obligations.
Market volatility driven by geopolitical developments, including tariffs under the Trump administration, has prompted a reassessment of credit exposures globally. Feliciano noted that Clearlake has been “selectively” acquiring secondary loans in recent weeks, mirroring a strategy employed during the pandemic.
Founded in 2006 by Feliciano and Behdad Eghbali, Clearlake currently manages over $90bn in assets across private equity, credit, and special situations. Its portfolio includes investments in technology, industrials, and consumer-facing businesses, with notable holdings such as Chelsea Football Club and Discovery Education.
Looking ahead, Feliciano expects a continued shift in credit allocations from the US to Europe.
