Hamza Lemssouguer’s Arini Capital Management has quickly become a dominant force in Europe’s distressed and high-yield credit markets, deploying billions into refinancing deals for some of the region’s most debt-laden corporates, according to a report by Bloomberg.
Launched just four years ago, the London-based hedge fund now manages about $12bn and has posted gains of 17% this year through August, following a 21% return in 2024. Backed heavily by sovereign wealth funds and pensions, Arini has been aggressive in seizing lead roles in rescue financings across Europe, often outbidding long-established rivals.
Recent transactions include a £600m facility for UK retailer Very Group, emergency financing for Apollo-owned Kem One, and an £130m refinancing package for British carpetmaker Victoria Plc. The firm has also been central to restructurings at Intrum and Lowell, where its large holdings and fresh capital proved pivotal in negotiations.
Arini’s willingness to underwrite entire deals and take concentrated positions has unsettled competitors, but it has also delivered standout returns. Its new private credit platform, launched with Lazard, secured a $200m cornerstone investment from British Columbia Investment Management, with additional co-investment capital lined up.
While some bets – such as exposure to Ardagh Group and Signa Development – have been costly, Lemssouguer’s “high conviction” approach, developed during his trading career at Credit Suisse, continues to resonate with investors.
The firm is also expanding into CLOs, real estate and asset-backed finance, with a recent £186m refinancing for Riverstone Living underscoring its growing presence in property markets.
