London and Dublin (OTE) – Strategic Partnership Supports DunPort’s
Ongoing Fundraising and
Growth Across Continental Europe
DunPort Capital Management („DunPort“), a leading private credit
manager, and Vertis Capital Partners („Vertis“), a UK-based
alternative investment firm focused on asset-backed finance and
private credit, today announced a strategic long-term partnership. As
part of the transaction Vertis will take an initial minority stake in
DunPort which is expected to increase in the future based on various
milestones. DunPort’s Executive Directors Pat Walsh and Ross Morrow
will continue to lead the business.
The strategic partnership strengthens DunPort’s position as a
premier lender to lower mid-market companies across Europe. Since
inception in 2017, DunPort has deployed over Ꞓ1.3 billion to 68
borrowers across its core markets.
The investment aligns with DunPort’s fundraising for Willow
Corporate Credit DAC, its fourth private credit fund, which aims to
raise up to Ꞓ1 billion to expand its lending platform across selected
European jurisdictions. DunPort announced a Ꞓ200 million cornerstone
commitment from their existing Investors for Willow in December 2024
and continues to actively fundraise for its lower mid-market credit
strategy.
Through the transaction, DunPort will collaborate closely with
Vertis and its affiliate, Henry Costa Partners („Henry Costa“), a
specialist merchant bank, to accelerate institutional fundraising and
provide tailored fundraising solutions to channel capital from
insurance companies and other long-term investors into the real
economy.
As part of the strategic partnership:
– Dermot Browne, former CEO of Aviva Ireland and a former senior
executive at Zurich Insurance, joins DunPort’s Board as an
Independent Non-Executive Director.
– Ralf Ackermann, co-founder of Vertis, will join DunPort’s
Investment Committee.
– Henrik Matsen, founder of Henry Costa Partners, also joins
DunPort’s Board of Directors serving alongside its Chairman David
O’Flanagan and the existing NED’s Iain Burnett and Eugenee Mulhern.
Ralf Ackermann , co-founder of Vertis, said:
„DunPort has built an outstanding franchise with rigorous and
disciplined credit selection focusing on downside protection. Our
investment reflects Vertis‘ strategy to back high-quality platforms
across Europe and help scale them through enhanced institutional
connectivity and structuring expertise.“
Pat Walsh , Executive Director at DunPort, commented:
„This partnership marks an exciting new chapter for DunPort. The
combination of Vertis‘ institutional relationships and Henry Costa’s
structuring expertise will be invaluable as we continue to scale our
platform and expand our geographical reach in a targeted way. The
addition of Dermot and Henrik to our Board further strengthens our
governance as we enter this next phase of growth.“
Ross Morrow , Executive Director at DunPort, added:
„Through our partnership with Vertis and Henry Costa, we are well
-positioned to accelerate DunPort’s growth across key European
markets, including the Benelux, DACH and Nordic regions, while
continuing to serve Ireland and the UK. Their combined expertise
complements our proven credit and origination strengths, enabling us
to target larger, more complex transactions in the lower mid-market
while maintaining the disciplined investment approach that has been
central to our success.“
Financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed.
Ashcombe Advisers LLP and McCann FitzGerald LLP acted as
financial and legal advisers to DunPort. William Fry LLP acted as
legal counsel to Vertis.
About Vertis Capital Partners
Vertis Capital Partners is a London-based alternative investment
firm specializing in private credit and asset-backed finance („ABF“)
across the UK and Europe. Led by former Apollo and Searchlight
executives, Vertis builds and scales high-quality credit platforms
with a disciplined focus on downside protection.
About DunPort Capital Management
DunPort Capital Management is a Dublin-based private credit
manager providing flexible financing solutions to lower mid-market
companies across Europe. Since its inception in 2017, DunPort has
deployed approximately Ꞓ1.3bn and established a strong track record
of disciplined underwriting and active portfolio management.
About Henry Costa Partners
Henry Costa Partners is an independent merchant bank serving
insurers, banks, and investment managers across two core divisions:
Advice & Principal Investments and Capital Markets. The firm is built
on deep alignment of interest, investing its own capital alongside
clients. With a culture rooted in humility, trust, and long-term
partnership, Henry Costa is committed to client-centricity and
unwavering collaboration at every level.
Digital press kit: http://www.ots.at/pressemappe/PR179889/aom
