First closing at 55 million euros for the Baloise direct loan fund

Basel, June 24, 2024. Baloise announces the first closing of its Baloise Corporate Direct Lending fund with commitments from Swiss investors amounting to 55 million euros. This fund allows professional investors to invest alongside Baloise in an asset class offering variable loan rates to SMEs.

Jean-Michel Hegnauer, head of institutional business development at Baloise, highlights the benefits of stable risk premiums and the association with high short-term rates. Viktoras Vatinas, senior portfolio manager, recommends this asset class as a key element for a long-term allocation strategy.

Baloise is a major anchor investor, providing access to blue-chip managers like Hayfin and Permira. The fund offers a net return estimated between 7% and 9% in EUR. The “evergreen” structure allows continuous exposure to this asset class, reducing recurring costs.