Debevoise & Plimpton LLP has advised the credit fund sponsor and investment advisor Apera Asset Management (“Apera”) on raising a total of €750 million of capital for its inaugural private debt investment platform, which comfortably surpassed its original target of €650 million.

A diverse group of institutional investors in Europe and the U.S. supported the raise, with commitments from pension funds, insurance companies, asset managers and endowments. The capital raise will support Apera’s investment strategy of arranging debt solutions for lower-mid market companies across the UK, DACH, France, Benelux and Nordic markets.

Apera was founded by partners Klaus Petersen, David Wilmot and Joanna Hislop, who collectively have deep experience in European private credit, with more than €5.4 billion invested in over 160 transactions over almost two decades.

The Apera private debt platform focuses primarily on senior secured loans to lower mid-market businesses in German-speaking Europe, France, Benelux, the UK and Northern Europe. The investment team operates from offices in Munich, London and Paris.

Target investments range from €15 to €50 million with an emphasis on providing capital solutions to businesses with strong market positions and growth prospects.

The Debevoise team advising Apera was led by partner Geoffrey Kittredge and international counsel Delphine Jaugey, and included associate Nicola Bruton. Regulatory advice was provided by partner Patricia Volhard, international counsel Jin-Hyuk Jang, and associate Eric Olmesdahl. Tax advice was provided by partners Richard Ward and Matthew D. Saronson, and associates Paul Eastham and Patrick Fasoro.

Debevoise & Plimpton LLP is a premier law firm with market-leading practices, a global perspective and strong New York roots. We deliver effective solutions to our clients’ most important legal challenges, applying clear commercial judgment and a distinctively collaborative approach.