Apollo Launches 10 Billion Euro European Credit Platform

Apollo Global Management has established a European lending platform with more than 10 billion euros ($11.2 billion) in financing capacity, bringing together major international investors to support businesses and infrastructure projects across Europe. Announced in London on November 2, 2026, European Credit Company (ECC) will focus exclusively on performing credit markets, with backing from the Abu Dhabi Investment Council (ADIC) and several financial institutions.

According to Apollo's official announcement, ECC will provide financing to large and mid-sized companies through corporate lending, asset-backed credit and investments involving real estate and infrastructure assets. The platform is designed to serve businesses, financial sponsors and real-asset owners seeking long-term capital.

Apollo funds and affiliates lead the investment backing, alongside ADIC, European insurance group Athora, Japan's Norinchukin Bank, Standard Chartered and US credit investor Aranda Principal Strategies. ECC will combine its own investment origination with opportunities sourced through European financial institutions and Apollo's existing regional credit operations.

Giacomo Petrobelli, appointed chief executive officer, will lead the new business alongside Christian Meissner, who serves as chairman. Petrobelli brings experience in European financial services and described the venture as an opportunity to connect international investment capital with the continent's long-term financing requirements.

"The formation of ECC is driven by a generational opportunity to mobilise global pools of capital to finance Europe's long-term growth agenda. We aim to build ECC into a premier pan-European credit platform, focused exclusively on the region, with deep local relationships, differentiated sourcing and flexible solutions that span all credit types. Having spent my whole career in European financial services, I am thrilled to now lead ECC, building a new franchise with institutional support from Apollo and the wider investor group," said Petrobelli.

The platform's investment strategy also reflects growing financing requirements across several industrial sectors. Apollo identified energy transition, electricity transmission, defense, digital infrastructure and traditional infrastructure as areas requiring substantial capital.

Jim Zelter, Apollo's president, said the company intends to strengthen its European operations through a dedicated financing structure and closer regional relationships.

"The Global Industrial Renaissance is creating tremendous financing needs around the world that are acutely felt in Europe, whether it's energy transition and transmission, defense, or digital and traditional infrastructure. With ECC, we are pleased to extend our toolbox in Europe through a dedicated platform and localised approach, working in harmony with the larger Apollo franchise and alongside other leading global financial institutions," said Zelter.

The launch also expands Apollo's financial connections in Abu Dhabi. Approximately one week before the announcement, Apollo agreed to acquire a nearly 10% stake in Mubadala Capital, the alternative investment management subsidiary of Abu Dhabi sovereign wealth fund Mubadala Investment Co.

ECC has established offices in Frankfurt, Jersey, London, Luxembourg City and Milan. Apollo plans to extend the platform's presence into additional European markets over the coming quarters.