H.I.G. Bayside Capital, the special situations credit affiliate of H.I.G. Capital, has announced the final closing of its H.I.G. Bayside Loan Opportunity Fund VII, securing $1 billion in capital commitments. This fund continues H.I.G.'s strategy of investing in special situation credit opportunities within the European middle market.

Founded in 2006, H.I.G. Bayside focuses on senior secured European stressed and special situations credit, aiming for equity-like returns. The firm’s disciplined investment approach has historically yielded higher returns with lower volatility compared to similar credit indices. Notably, its previous fund, H.I.G. Bayside Loan Opportunity Fund V, was recognized as the “Best Performing Debt Fund” by Private Equity Wire/Bloomberg in 2022.

Co-founders Sami Mnaymneh and Tony Tamer highlighted H.I.G.'s position as a leading credit investor in the middle markets, benefiting from a synergistic platform across various regions. They emphasized the firm's ability to generate strong risk-adjusted returns through multiple economic cycles.

Andrew Scotland and Duncan Priston, co-heads of H.I.G. Bayside Europe, expressed enthusiasm about deploying fresh capital in a favorable market for special situations credit. They noted that many leveraged European businesses are currently facing challenges, presenting significant investment opportunities.

Jordan Peer Griffin, Executive Managing Director and Global Head of Capital Formation, remarked on the diverse support the fund received from a global investor base, including public and private pensions, endowments, and family offices. This backing reflects strong interest in the middle market and confidence in H.I.G.'s unique investment approach.

Bayside Capital specializes in middle market investments across various debt capital market segments, focusing on long-term returns. With a robust team of over 500 investment professionals and eight offices in the U.S. and Europe, Bayside is well-equipped to deliver superior risk-adjusted returns.

H.I.G. Capital, established in 1993, is a prominent global alternative investment firm managing $66 billion in capital. The firm operates across multiple sectors, providing both debt and equity capital to mid-sized companies. Its investment strategies include management buyouts, recapitalizations, and corporate carve-outs, as well as senior and junior debt financing.

H.I.G. also manages a publicly traded business development company, WhiteHorse Finance, and invests in real estate and infrastructure sectors. Since its inception, H.I.G. has invested in over 400 companies worldwide, with a current portfolio of more than 100 companies generating combined sales exceeding $53 billion.

For more information about H.I.G. and its investment strategies, visit their website at hig.com.