Franklin Templeton acquires a majority stake in Apera AM to expand its capabilities in European private credit
5 JUN, 2025
Franklin Templeton announced today the signing of a definitive agreement to acquire a majority stake in Apera Asset Management, a pan-European private credit firm with over 5 billion euros in assets under management. The acquisition will expand Franklin Templeton's global alternative assets platform and its direct lending capabilities in the growing market of small and medium-sized businesses.
With the acquisition of Apera, Franklin Templeton's assets under management in global alternative credit would increase to 87 billion dollars and the proforma total of alternative assets would reach approximately 260 billion dollars, both as of April 30, 2025, which would strengthen its position as a leading manager of diversified alternative asset strategies. Apera will complement Franklin Templeton's current global alternative credit offering, alongside Benefit Street Partners in the US and Alcentra in Europe, further diversifying the firm's geographic exposure and capabilities within the private credit asset class.
The transaction is expected to close in the third quarter of 2025, subject to the corresponding regulatory approvals and closing conditions.
Who is Apera AM?
Founded in 2016, Apera provides senior secured private equity solutions to private equity-backed companies in Western Europe. Based in London with offices in Germany, France, and Luxembourg, Apera has built a strong track record of disciplined evaluation and sponsor relationships, bringing unique capabilities and market experience in the small and medium-sized business segment, a segment that remains less served than others within the overall private credit landscape. Apera recently closed its third flagship fund range at 2.9 billion euros, exceeding its target and serving as a testament to investor demand for access to European private credit.
This transaction with Franklin Templeton marks a new and exciting chapter for Apera. We share a long-term vision focused on performance and responsible growth. With Franklin Templeton's global capabilities and clear commitment to alternative assets, we are well positioned to accelerate the growth of our strategy and expand our reach, while continuing to meet the needs of our investors.
Klaus Petersen, founding partner of Apera
Apera fits strategically very well into our platform. Its focus on the small and medium-sized business market adds a new dimension to our global capabilities in private credit. It is a distinct segment that BSP and Alcentra serve, in which Apera's local experience and disciplined approach provide access to attractive risk-adjusted returns.
David Manlowe, CEO of Benefit Street Partners
The acquisition of Apera reflects our ongoing commitment to building a top-tier global alternative asset platform. We are pleased to welcome the excellent team from Apera and believe that the combination of our capabilities will offer even more value to our clients globally.
Jenny Johnson, CEO of Franklin Templeton
