Natixis Asset Management and AEW Europe are combining forces to launch the Senior European Loan Fund, the first sub-fund of a closed-ended seven year fund structure investing in senior real estate loans.
Natixis Asset Management and AEW Europe are combining forces to launch the Senior European Loan Fund, the first sub-fund of a closed-ended seven year fund structure investing in senior real estate loans.
On launch, the fund is completing a first close with commitments of EUR 240 mln and is targeting an investment capacity of EUR 500 mln.
Targeted at professional investors and qualified institutional investors, the Senior European Loan Fund aims to deliver returns equivalent to investment grade bonds. Senior European Loan Fund will invest in senior real estate loans, financing high quality real estate assets including offices, retail and logistics, located in Europe and predominantly in France, Germany and the UK.
The fund will focus on financing new loans in partnership with banks, and purchasing existing loans.
Senior European Loan Fund is managed by Senior European Loan Management, a subsidiary of AEW Europe. The management company is advised by a team from Natixis Asset Management, consisting of two senior portfolio managers with a combined experience of over 25 years in fixed income, and by real estate debt specialists at AEW Europe.
Christian Delaire, CEO of AEW Europe, commented: 'The real estate financing market is experiencing a structural change with a marked decrease in funding capacity of the banking system, creating an opportunity for the emergence of new participants in real estate debt.'
