Crescent Capital Group LP has announced that its European Specialty Lending strategy is financing the acquisition of Independent Governance Group (IGG) by ECI Partners, a UK-based private equity firm. IGG, established in February 2023 from the merger of Ross Trustees and Independent Trustee Services, specializes in trustee, governance, and secretarial services for the UK pension sector.

With over 200 employees, IGG has rapidly grown, serving 386 pension schemes with total assets of £324 billion. The firm has received 13 industry awards in the past three years, reflecting its commitment to high-quality service and client integration. Christine Vanden Beukel, Managing Director at Crescent, highlighted IGG's growth and the firm's pride in supporting its acquisition by ECI Partners, known for its successful partnerships with high-growth companies.

Crescent Capital Group, headquartered in Los Angeles, manages $43 billion in assets and has over 30 years of experience in below-investment-grade credit. The firm invests in various debt securities, including senior bank loans and high-yield bonds, and has offices in major cities worldwide.

IGG is recognized as a leader in professional pensions trusteeship and governance services, offering a range of solutions including chair and co-trustee appointments. The diverse team at IGG includes professionals from various backgrounds, enhancing its service delivery across more than 380 pension schemes, with over 10% of these schemes valued at over £1 billion.

ECI Partners, managing over £2 billion in funds, focuses on growth businesses valued up to £300 million. The firm emphasizes collaborative support for management teams, helping them with acquisitions, market strategies, and employee engagement. ECI recently closed its latest fund, ECI 12, at a hard cap of £1 billion, marking a significant increase from its previous fund.

This acquisition signifies a strategic move in the pension management sector, with Crescent Capital's financing playing a crucial role in facilitating IGG's growth under ECI Partners' stewardship.