Willow Tree Credit Partners, a credit alternatives platform focused on providing flexible capital structure solutions and value add services to family-owned and financial sponsor-backed middle market businesses, closed its latest direct lending fund complex.

The fund focuses on senior secured, floating rate loans to middle market companies that are either undergoing a change of control or recapitalization or in need of growth capital. Since inception, Willow Tree’s managed funds and accounts have closed more than 100 transactions supporting the acquisition and growth of middle market companies.

“We appreciate the support of our existing and new limited partners as we continue to expand our credit alternatives platform. We are excited for the next phase of growth at Willow Tree as we rapidly deploy capital in what we believe to be an attractive vintage for floating rate private credit strategies,” Tim Lower, CEO and chief investment officer at Willow Tree, said.

“We are proud of the niche our team has carved out in the middle market and expect continued strong demand from borrowers for our bespoke direct lending solutions.  Given the backdrop of rising rates and continued resilience of well positioned middle market borrowers, we consider this to be an attractive deployment environment for managers and asset selectors focused on recession resistant businesses in attractive end markets and industry sectors,” Jim Roche, chief credit officer at Willow Tree, said.

The fund, which includes parallel accounts and leverage, was supported by a diverse group of limited partners including public and corporate pension plans, insurance companies, registered investment advisors, family offices, foundations and endowments.