Apollo Global Management has announced the launch of European Credit Company (ECC), a new platform dedicated to providing financing solutions across Europe’s performing credit markets.
The company has begun operations with more than €10bn in lending capacity, positioning itself as a significant new financing partner for businesses across the region.
The launch comes at a time when Europe faces substantial investment requirements, driven by industrial development, infrastructure expansion, the energy transition and growing demand for digital capabilities. ECC aims to address these financing needs by offering flexible lending solutions across corporate and asset-backed credit markets.
The platform will support both large corporations and mid-market businesses, as well as sponsors and real asset owners operating in sectors including infrastructure and real estate. By providing access to long-term capital, ECC intends to help businesses fund expansion plans, strengthen operations and contribute to economic growth across European markets.
ECC is backed by a group of established institutional investors, led by Apollo funds and affiliates, alongside the Abu Dhabi Investment Council (ADIC), Athora, Norinchukin Bank, Standard Chartered and Aranda Principal Strategies. This backing provides the company with a strong institutional foundation as it develops its European lending operations.
Giacomo Petrobelli has been appointed CEO, with Christian Meissner serving as chairman. Petrobelli highlighted the opportunity to bring together global pools of capital to support Europe's long-term growth ambitions, with the aim of establishing ECC as a leading pan-European credit platform.
The company will source lending opportunities through three main channels: its own origination capabilities, strategic partnerships with European financial institutions and access to Apollo's wider European credit platform. This diversified approach is intended to strengthen deal sourcing and provide borrowers with financing solutions tailored to their requirements.
ECC already has a presence in Frankfurt, Jersey, London, Luxembourg City and Milan, with plans to expand into additional markets in the coming quarters.
