Man Group to acquire US private credit manager Bardin Hill

The move is expected to strengthen Man Group’s current credit platform and help grow the firm’s footprint in North America.

Man Group has entered an agreement to acquire US private credit manager Bardin Hill, marking a further expansion for the investment manager’s increasing credit platform.  

Jason Dillow

New York-based Bardin Hill currently holds approximately $3 billion in assets under management (AUM), and the acquisition is expected to complement and strengthen Man Group’s credit platform, which consists of almost $40 billion AUM, more than ten specialist teams and over 100 credit professionals.  

As part of the deal, Bardin Hill’s investment committee, team and processes will be maintained, and chief executive Jason Dillow will continue to lead the business. 

Speaking on the acquisition, Dillow said: “Man Group’s extensive distribution network, sophisticated institutional platform and cutting-edge technology will help us strengthen our opportunistic and performing credit strategies for existing Bardin Hill investors, while offering new investors access to Bardin Hill products.  

“As volatility and dislocation within credit markets persist, we believe a tremendous opportunity exists to leverage our combined strengths to deploy capital and deliver compelling returns for clients.”  

Man Group’s current private credit offering centres on direct lending, credit risk sharing and residential real estate lending strategies, while Bardin Hill’s offering consists of both an opportunistic and performing credit platform.  

Read more – Man Group’s Antish Manna 

Man Group has also said that the acquisition aligns with the firm’s drive to expand its presence in North America, following its agreement to acquire the $11.8 billion AUM US private credit manager, Varagon Capital Partners in July 2023.  

“Following our acquisition of Varagon in 2023, we are delighted to be able to offer clients another high quality, specialised team with excellent credentials, a rigorous and selective investment process, and experience through different market cycles,” said Steven Desmyter, Man Group president.  

“We see real potential for growth in both opportunistic and performing credit and we look forward to working with Jason and the team to capitalise on that.” 

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