Harrison Street Asset Management has acquired a majority stake in European credit investment manager RoundShield Partners for an undisclosed amount.
The investment management arm of Colliers said it has acquired a 60% equity interest in RoundShield from its management team and a third-party financial investor.
Separately, Azimut Group, through its affiliate with Azimut Alternative Capital Partners, said it has completed the sale of its minority equity interest in RoundShield as part of the transaction. Azimut acquired its stake in July 2022.
RoundShield’s senior management team will retain the remaining stake will continue to lead the business.
RoundShield is a European investment firm focused on asset-backed special opportunities, including real estate, infrastructure other hard assets and financial assets.
Christopher Merrill, global CEO of Harrison Street, said: “This transaction marks a pivotal step for Harrison Street, adding credit capabilities in Europe and creating a pathway for continued innovation across our platform. RoundShield’s outstanding track record and deep expertise in sectors like student housing and hospitality present immediate opportunities for collaboration.
“RoundShield’s ownership and operation of vertically integrated student housing platforms offers an exciting opportunity to scale our combined student housing operations across the region. We look forward to leveraging this partnership to broaden our suite of differentiated strategies for our global investors.”
Driss Benkirane, founder and managing partner of RoundShield, said: “We are thrilled to partner with Harrison Street, a globally respected leader in real asset investing that we have known for many years. Their investment is a strong endorsement of our team and platform.
“With their global reach and shared values, we are well-positioned to accelerate our growth and continue delivering compelling investment ideas and attractive risk-adjusted returns for our investors.”
To read the latest IPE Real Assets magazine click here.
