Alternative investment manager Axa IM Alts has acquired Capza, a prominent European private debt and private equity firm.
This deal, expected to close by Q4 2024, increases Axa IM Alts’ ownership of Capza from majority shareholder to full ownership by 2026.
Founded in 2004, Capza specialises in providing tailored financing solutions to small and mid-cap companies. With more than €9.0 billion in AuM, Capza’s expertise in mid-market direct lending complements AXA IM Alts’ existing private debt offering while also marking its entry into the growing private equity leveraged buyout (LBO) market.
The combined platforms will offer clients expanded access to alternative investment strategies through Axa IM Alts’ scalable global infrastructure, which already serves over 600 institutional clients in 20+ countries.
CapzA’s founder, Christophe Karvelis-Senn, will remain involved as chairman of the supervisory board and a member of the partner team, ensuring continuity. Maxence Radix will take over as CEO of Capza and lead its private equity LBO franchise, which will become Axa IM Alts’ fifth business line alongside real estate, alternative credit, infrastructure and natural capital & impact investments.
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Isabelle Scemama, global head of Axa IM Alts, said: “This acquisition sees Axa IM Alts complete its product range through the addition of an established and scalable LBO private equity and corporate mid-market private debt capabilities to the current offering for the benefits of our clients and teams, further cementing our position as the European leader in the alternative investments.”
Christophe Karvelis-Senn, executive chairman and founder, Capza, added: “The last decade has been an active phase of growth for our business, bringing our private debt and private equity business line to maturity. Throughout the years, we have developed a strong shared culture with Axa IM Alts teams, and it is now perfect timing for Capza to join the Axa IM Alts platform, benefitting from the scale and reach of its infrastructure as the leading European alternative platform to pursue our growth trajectory.”
Deborah Shire, deputy head of Axa IM Alts, added: “Mid-market direct lending and private equity play important roles in financing the economy, while providing substantial returns for global investors, evidenced by their increasing importance in both institutional and retail investor portfolios. The transaction will bolster our capacity to offer fully diversified allocation in private and alternative markets to our clients. Moreover, both teams are sharing the same fundamental approach, pursuing long-term trends able to generate returns and mitigate risks.”
