Announcing research partnership with leading Oxford AI group

Best Private Credit Solutions for Corporates in USA

Non-sponsored, Expert Verified and Transparently Ranked Private Credit Solutions for Corporates in USA

Published: December 26, 2025 | Verified by: Ted Scheiman & Rob Watts

Executive Summary

We analyzed 5 solutions. Top Recommendation: Asset Management by Apollo Global Management scored highest due to Large‑cap focus with multi‑billion‑dollar origination capacity and programs that expand reach across bank partnerships..

Content Verification

15
Total Sources
December 26, 2025
Last Verified
100%
Evidence Coverage

Side-by-Side Comparison

Feature#1 Asset Management (Apollo Global Management)#2 Credit & Insurance (Blackstone)#3 Credit (Ares Management)#4 Credit (KKR)#5 Credit (Blue Owl Capital)
Best ForLarge‑cap focus with multi‑billion‑dollar origination capacity and programs that expand reach across bank partnerships.Market‑leading scale and capacity to lead some of the largest private credit deals, evidenced by the BXD fund and multi‑billion‑dollar commitments.Scaled, self‑originating direct lending platform with the ability to hold large positions and deliver one‑stop financing solutions.Integrated platform combining direct lending and asset‑based finance at scale within KKR’s global Credit franchise.Specialized verticals (e.g., Technology Lending) and a scaled origination platform focused on upper‑middle‑market borrowers.
Execution CertaintyApollo’s scaled direct-lending platform emphasizes “price and execution certainty” via single-counterparty large-cap loans, aiming for speed and reliability regardless of market conditions. (apollo.com) A $25B Citi, Apollo direct-lending program is explicitly designed to provide funding certainty for strategic transactions, further enhancing execution certainty for large corporate borrowers. (ir.apollo.com)Direct lending approach provides greater certainty in execution and flexible structuring. (blackstone.com) BXCI’s scale underpins execution at size, with ~$22B in investable capital for its evergreen U.S. direct lending fund, bringing global direct lending AUM to ~$123B (Oct 29, 2024). (blackstone.com)Self-originated, scaled direct lending platform (~320 professionals) that can provide creative structures, hold large/control positions, and offer sponsors and management teams enhanced certainty of execution. (ares.com)KKR offers high execution certainty via its sizeable balance sheet, underwriting and distribution through KKR Capital Markets, and direct-lending structures that lock pricing and avoid syndication risk, advantages favored in auctions and expected to remain attractive even as syndicated markets reopen. (kkr.com)High execution certainty via sizable commitments and substantial dry powder enabling full-capital-structure underwriting; a relationship‑oriented process provides certainty, speed, and transparency from diligence to close. Scale (Credit AUM $152.1B; $176B gross originations) supports reliable closing and follow‑on funding. (blueowl.com)
Scalability of FundsHighly scalable: Apollo manages ~$908B AUM (9/30/2025), including $723B in Credit. (apollo.com) Its large-cap direct lending franchise raised ~$13.3B in 12 months (AOP II $4.8B) and targets ~$1B+ single-counterparty financings for large-ticket loans. (apollo.com)Scalable: $508B credit AUM (as of Sept 30, 2025) with 5, 100+ issuers across the platform. Insurance solutions scale from customized SMAs to full portfolio management, supported by 70+ dedicated professionals, enabling flexible, large‑scale capital deployment. (blackstone.com)Highly scalable: Credit Group manages ~$391.5B AUM (as of 9/30/2025). (aresmgmt.com) Offers commingled funds, SMAs, and a public vehicle (ARCC) for flexible capital deployment. (aresmgmt.com) European direct lending manages ~$81.3B across 350+ institutional investors via commingled funds/SMAs. (aresmgmt.com) U.S. Senior Direct Lending closed $34B (2024), the firm’s largest, evidencing fundraising capacity. (aresmgmt.com)Highly scalable: KKR Credit manages $282B ($315B incl. liquid strategies) as of Sep 30, 2025, including $120B in private credit. (kkr.com) Credit/liquid AUM were $283.6B in Q1 2025; insurance inflows (Global Atlantic) and multiple vehicles expand capacity for large bespoke financings. (alternativecreditinvestor.com)Highly scalable: Credit AUM ~$152.1B; platform can lead/anchor >$1B financings. (blueowl.com) OBDC contributes a $17.1B portfolio across 238 companies, underscoring deployment breadth. (blueowlcapitalcorporation.com)
Customization FlexibilityHigh customization: Apollo structures bespoke financing across geographies and the capital structure to match client needs, offering flexible solutions and price certainty for large borrowers; its Asset‑Backed Finance platform also delivers bespoke solutions aligned to specific asset types and risk profiles. (apollo.com)Highly customizable: solutions are built and optimized to client needs across private, liquid, and asset‑based credit; insurance offerings range from customized SMAs to full portfolio management. Close borrower partnerships and “complete capital solutions” spanning liquidity and risk enable flexible structuring. (blackstone.com)Investors can access Ares Credit via commingled funds, separately managed accounts, and a public vehicle; Multi‑Asset Credit portfolios can be highly customized. (ares.com) For borrowers, Ares offers creative structures and crafts bespoke capital solutions tailored to specific needs. (ares.com)High customization: KKR provides bespoke financing tailored to each borrower’s needs, spanning senior debt to structured equity. (kkr.com) Its credit platform offers bespoke capital solutions, including private credit and asset‑based finance, and is designed to move quickly and creatively. (kkr.com) KKR Capital Markets adds high‑touch, flexible structuring and execution for complex transactions across public and private markets. (kkr.com)Provides customized financing across debt and equity, with flexible structures spanning Diversified, First Lien, Technology and Opportunistic lending; alternative and asset‑based finance capabilities, ability to underwrite complexity, and capacity to commit to full capital structures serve sponsor‑backed and non‑sponsored borrowers; tailored investment‑grade private credit for insurers. (blueowl.com)
5 Companies Listed
1Apollo Global Management logo
Apollo Global Management
Last Updated: December 26, 2025
apollo.com

Apollo Global ManagementCompany Information

Industry: Asset Management
API: No

Description

Apollo is an asset manager and capital provider that offers wealth and retirement solutions. The company focuses on delivering investment strategies across Credit, Equity, and Real Assets to achieve long-term financial goals for institutions and individuals.

What They Do

Asset Management, Capital Provision, Wealth and Retirement Solutions

Who They Serve

Institutions and Individuals seeking financial security and investment opportunities

Key Value Propositions

Innovative solutions for financial challenges
Flexible financing for companies
Risk-adjusted investment strategies
Expertise across diverse asset classes

Case Studies

Financing The Global Industrial Renaissance

This case study explores how Apollo's innovative financing solutions support industries undergoing significant transformation.

Read Case Study →
Empowering People to Retire Better

A deep dive into how Apollo assists individuals in enhancing their retirement security.

Read Case Study →

Target Customers

Institutional Investors
Wealth Professionals
Individual Investors

Industries Served

Asset Management
Investment Banking
Financial Services

Contact Information

Summary

Provides scaled direct lending solutions to large corporate borrowers in North America, originating and holding sizeable senior secured loans. Designed for sponsors and corporates that need bespoke structures and certainty of execution on large‑ticket financings.

Key Features

  • Comprehensive Credit platform with a suite of financing solutions and investment strategies
  • Equity platform focused on disciplined underwriting and creative solutions
  • Real Assets platform investing across geographies and risk spectrum
  • Capital Solutions for large-scale transactions and syndication
  • Financial Services group serving the retirement services ecosystem

Key Benefits

  • Access to a fully integrated, global asset management platform
  • Diverse investment strategies across Credit, Equity, and Real Assets
  • Innovative capital solutions for business growth
  • Expertise in both private and public markets
  • Support for local economies and job creation
  • Focus on sustainable and impact investing

Who Is It For

  • Institutional investors
  • Wealth professionals
  • Businesses seeking capital solutions
  • Companies and individuals seeking investment income and retirement savings

What We Do

Millions of families around the world count on Apollo to generate investment income and retirement savings. We invest in private and public markets and across the full spectrum of Credit, Equity and Real Assets to seek excess returns for our clients, whether they access our capabilities through Apollo’s alternative strategies or Athene’s suite of retirement savings products. We take a patient, creative and rigorous approach to investing, and provide businesses with innovative capital solutions for growth. Through our asset management business, Apollo powers hundreds of thousands of jobs, fuels local economies and helps to finance what we believe are some of the most important and capital-intensive endeavors, such as the clean energy transition.

Asset Management

For more than 30 years, Apollo’s investing expertise across our fully integrated asset management platform has served the financial return needs of our clients and provided businesses with innovative capital solutions for growth.

Our Capabilities

Apollo’s Asset Management platform includes Credit, Equity, Real Assets, Capital Solutions, and Financial Services. Each area offers specialized investment strategies and solutions.

  • Credit: Asset-Backed Finance, Corporate Credit
  • Equity: Private Equity, Hybrid Value, Impact Investing, Secondaries
  • Real Assets: Infrastructure, Real Estate, Sustainable Investing, European Principal Finance
  • Capital Solutions: Origination, execution, and syndication of large-scale transactions
  • Financial Services: Serving the retirement services ecosystem

Resources

Supporting Resources

Detailed Comparison

Execution Certainty

Apollo’s scaled direct-lending platform emphasizes “price and execution certainty” via single-counterparty large-cap loans, aiming for speed and reliability regardless of market conditions. (apollo.com) A $25B Citi, Apollo direct-lending program is explicitly designed to provide funding certainty for strategic transactions, further enhancing execution certainty for large corporate borrowers. (ir.apollo.com)

Scalability of Funds

Highly scalable: Apollo manages ~$908B AUM (9/30/2025), including $723B in Credit. (apollo.com) Its large-cap direct lending franchise raised ~$13.3B in 12 months (AOP II $4.8B) and targets ~$1B+ single-counterparty financings for large-ticket loans. (apollo.com)

Customization Flexibility

High customization: Apollo structures bespoke financing across geographies and the capital structure to match client needs, offering flexible solutions and price certainty for large borrowers; its Asset‑Backed Finance platform also delivers bespoke solutions aligned to specific asset types and risk profiles. (apollo.com)
Last Updated: December 26, 2025
blackstone.com

BlackstoneCompany Information

Industry: Private Equity

Description

Blackstone is the world’s largest alternative asset manager, with more than $1 trillion in assets under management, focusing on building strong businesses that deliver lasting value.

What They Do

Blackstone invests in dynamic sectors positioned for long-term growth, managing investments across various asset classes.

Who They Serve

Institutional and individual investors.

Key Value Propositions

Unmatched scale with over $1 trillion in AUM.
Expertise in private equity, real estate, credit, insurance, and more.
Commitment to sustainability and long-term value creation.

Target Customers

Institutional investors
Financial advisors
Family offices
Individual investors

Industries Served

Private Equity
Real Estate
Credit & Insurance
Life Sciences
Infrastructure
Multi-Asset Investing

Summary

Delivers directly originated senior and unitranche loans to corporate borrowers in the U.S., including large sponsor‑backed transactions. Backed by Blackstone’s multi‑strategy credit platform to provide bespoke structures and reliable execution at scale.

Key Features

  • Invests across the credit markets with leading strategies
  • Deep relationships and market incumbency for opportunity origination
  • Innovative capital solutions spanning liquidity and risk spectrum
  • Expertise from over 20 years’ experience and access to Blackstone’s network
  • Dedicated insurance investment team with 70+ professionals
  • Scalable insurance solutions from SMAs to full portfolio management

Key Benefits

  • Attractive risk-adjusted returns for investors
  • Capital solutions for borrowers to strengthen and grow their businesses
  • Comprehensive solutions tailored to client needs
  • Access to large, complex opportunities through market leadership
  • Long-term, strategic partnerships with clients

Who Is It For

  • Institutional investors
  • Borrowers seeking capital
  • Banks managing risk
  • Insurers seeking investment opportunities
  • Private wealth managers
  • Family offices
  • Financial advisors

Credit & Insurance

Blackstone is one of the largest credit asset managers in the world. We aim to provide investors with attractive risk-adjusted returns and borrowers with the capital they need to strengthen and grow their businesses.

  • AUM Across Blackstone’s Credit Platform: $508B
  • Issuers Across Portfolios: 5,100+
  • Sponsor/Advisor Relationships: 550+

What We Do

We invest across the credit markets, managing leading strategies that target sectors with strong fundamentals.

  • Incumbency: Deep relationships for opportunity origination
  • Innovation: Complete capital solutions across liquidity and risk spectrum
  • Expertise: 20+ years’ experience, 100+ senior advisors, 50 data scientists

Blackstone’s Credit Strategies

The breadth of Blackstone’s strategies helps us build solutions optimized for various market conditions and customized for our clients’ needs.

  • Private Corporate Credit: Senior Direct Lending, Opportunistic Credit
  • Liquid Corporate Credit: Investment Grade, High Yield, Leveraged Loans, CLO Debt/Equity
  • Infrastructure and Asset Based Credit: Infrastructure Debt, Asset Based Lending, Sustainable Resources
  • Real Estate Credit: Real Estate Lending, Real Estate Debt Securities, Residential Mortgages

Blackstone Insurance

We provide insurance-specific investment opportunities across the risk spectrum, with a focus on investment grade private credit.

  • 70+ dedicated insurance professionals
  • Solutions from SMAs to full portfolio management
  • Global perspective and tailored approach

The Blackstone Value Creation Program

We strive to be not just a capital provider but a capital partner, equipping borrowers with tools to help them unlock their potential. The program has generated approximately $5 billion in total illustrative value creation across the BXCI portfolio.

News & Insights

Updates from Credit & Insurance, including market commentary and leadership perspectives.

  • Michael Zawadzki on the State of the Private Credit Market
  • Barron’s: Brad Marshall on Risks and Opportunities in Private Credit Today
  • Bloomberg: Jon Gray on Private Credit

Resources

Detailed Comparison

Execution Certainty

Direct lending approach provides greater certainty in execution and flexible structuring. (blackstone.com) BXCI’s scale underpins execution at size, with ~$22B in investable capital for its evergreen U.S. direct lending fund, bringing global direct lending AUM to ~$123B (Oct 29, 2024). (blackstone.com)

Scalability of Funds

Scalable: $508B credit AUM (as of Sept 30, 2025) with 5, 100+ issuers across the platform. Insurance solutions scale from customized SMAs to full portfolio management, supported by 70+ dedicated professionals, enabling flexible, large‑scale capital deployment. (blackstone.com)

Customization Flexibility

Highly customizable: solutions are built and optimized to client needs across private, liquid, and asset‑based credit; insurance offerings range from customized SMAs to full portfolio management. Close borrower partnerships and “complete capital solutions” spanning liquidity and risk enable flexible structuring. (blackstone.com)
Last Updated: December 26, 2025
aresmgmt.com

Ares ManagementCompany Information

Industry: Finance

Description

Ares Management is a leading global alternative investment manager offering clients complementary primary and secondary investment solutions across the credit, real estate, private equity, and infrastructure asset classes.

What They Do

Manage alternative investments in credit, real estate, private equity, and infrastructure.

Who They Serve

Institutional investors and individual investors.

Key Value Propositions

Global reach with localized expertise.
Cycle-tested performance.
Innovative investment solutions.

Target Customers

Institutional Investors
Individual Investors
Financial Advisors

Industries Served

Finance
Investment Management
Real Estate

Contact Information

Summary

Provides senior secured, unitranche and other private loans to U.S. middle‑market corporate borrowers across a wide range of industries. Built for sponsor-backed companies seeking flexible capital and high certainty of execution from a scaled, cycle‑tested lender.

Key Features

  • Direct lending (U.S., Europe, APAC)
  • Syndicated loans
  • High yield bonds
  • Multi-asset credit
  • Alternative credit (asset-based finance, private IG, CLOs, CMBS, RMBS, etc.)
  • Opportunistic credit
  • APAC private credit and special situations
  • Commingled funds, separately managed accounts, and publicly traded vehicles

Key Benefits

  • Access to a broad suite of credit investment solutions (illiquid, liquid, hybrid)
  • One-stop financing for middle market companies
  • Self-origination and structuring expertise
  • Global reach with local presence in North America, Europe, and APAC
  • Flexible capital solutions tailored to client needs
  • Experienced investment committee (average ~25 years experience)

Who Is It For

  • Institutional investors seeking yield and less correlated returns
  • Traditional fixed income investors
  • Small-to-medium sized companies (especially those underserved by traditional banks)
  • Investors seeking access to syndicated loan and high yield bond markets
  • Investors interested in asset-based finance strategies

Credit Experience. Market Coverage. Broad Products Suite.

Ares Credit Group is a leading manager of credit strategies globally, offering a range of illiquid and liquid credit and hybrid investment solutions. The group is a leader in providing credit solutions to investors searching for yield and less correlated returns, and is a major self-originating direct lender to the U.S. and European middle markets, with a growing APAC presence.

  • Value-oriented approach using fundamental bottom-up research
  • One-stop financing solutions for small-to-medium sized companies
  • Helps fixed income investors access syndicated loan and high yield bond markets
  • Long-term, patient lenders leveraging flexibility and structuring expertise
  • Investment committee members average ~25 years experience

Ares Credit Group

Asset manager specializing in illiquid and liquid corporate credit and asset-based finance strategies investing primarily in North America, Europe and APAC.

  • Offices in 27+ cities globally
  • Focus on corporate credit and alternative credit investments
  • Types of investments: direct lending, liquid credit, alternative credit, stressed & distressed debt, commercial ABL

Our Strategies

Ares offers a wide range of credit strategies including Direct Lending, U.S. Direct Lending, European Direct Lending, Liquid Credit, Syndicated Loans, High Yield Bonds, Multi-Asset Credit, Alternative Credit, Opportunistic Credit, APAC Credit, APAC Private Credit, and APAC Special Situations.

  • Direct Lending: Senior secured loans, private high yield, mezzanine, minority equity
  • U.S. Direct Lending: Through ARCC and private funds/accounts
  • European Direct Lending: Illiquid middle-market credits
  • Liquid Credit: Syndicated loans, high yield bonds
  • Syndicated Loans: Floating rate, diversified, North America and Europe
  • High Yield Bonds: Secured, unsecured, subordinated, North America and Europe
  • Multi-Asset Credit: Flexible, global, multi-class portfolios
  • Alternative Credit: Asset-based finance, private IG, CLOs, real estate debt, RMBS
  • Opportunistic Credit: Debt and structured investments, private and public
  • APAC Credit: Direct origination, flexible capital in Asia Pacific
  • APAC Private Credit: Privately sourced loans, sponsor and asset backed
  • APAC Special Situations: Downside protection, equity-like returns in APAC

Resources

Detailed Comparison

Execution Certainty

Self-originated, scaled direct lending platform (~320 professionals) that can provide creative structures, hold large/control positions, and offer sponsors and management teams enhanced certainty of execution. (ares.com)

Scalability of Funds

Highly scalable: Credit Group manages ~$391.5B AUM (as of 9/30/2025). (aresmgmt.com) Offers commingled funds, SMAs, and a public vehicle (ARCC) for flexible capital deployment. (aresmgmt.com) European direct lending manages ~$81.3B across 350+ institutional investors via commingled funds/SMAs. (aresmgmt.com) U.S. Senior Direct Lending closed $34B (2024), the firm’s largest, evidencing fundraising capacity. (aresmgmt.com)

Customization Flexibility

Investors can access Ares Credit via commingled funds, separately managed accounts, and a public vehicle; Multi‑Asset Credit portfolios can be highly customized. (ares.com) For borrowers, Ares offers creative structures and crafts bespoke capital solutions tailored to specific needs. (ares.com)
Last Updated: December 26, 2025
kkr.com

KKRCompany Information

Industry: Private Equity

Description

KKR is a leading global investment firm. We aim to deliver strong returns and shared success to those we serve and the world at large.

What They Do

Deliver asset management, capital markets and insurance solutions.

Who They Serve

Institutional investors, individual investors, families, and companies.

Key Value Propositions

Differentiated investment insights.
Time-tested approach.
Wide array of solutions.

Case Studies

Marmic Fire & Safety Establishing An Employee Ownership Program Marmic Fire & Safety

Establishing An Employee Ownership Program

Read Case Study →
Cornell Partnership Helping Students Break Barriers and Excel in College Cornell Partnership

Helping Students Break Barriers and Excel in College

Read Case Study →
Bushu Pharma Celebrating A Broad-Based Ownership Milestone Bushu Pharma

Celebrating A Broad-Based Ownership Milestone

Read Case Study →

Target Customers

Institutional investors
Certainly wealth
Families and entrepreneurs
Companies in need of operational excellence

Industries Served

Private Equity
Infrastructure
Real Estate
Credit
Capital Markets
Insurance

Contact Information

Summary

Offers private credit solutions across senior and junior debt and asset‑based finance, with a strong focus on U.S. upper‑middle‑market direct lending. Corporates and sponsors can access bespoke financing supported by KKR’s global credit and capital markets capabilities.

Key Features

  • Investments in leveraged loans, high yield bonds, structured credit, and multi-asset class strategies (Leveraged Credit).
  • Investments in senior debt, junior debt, and asset-based finance in private markets (Private Credit).
  • Dynamic investments across asset classes and capital structures, including bespoke capital solutions (Strategic Investments).
  • Specialized capabilities in asset-based finance and Asia credit.

Key Benefits

  • Access to a scaled credit platform with a strong presence in both public and private credit markets.
  • Disciplined, fundamental underwriting focused on cash flow durability and principal preservation.
  • Agility and creativity in identifying emerging opportunities and delivering bespoke solutions.
  • Integrated global business maximizing collective insights, relationships, and expertise.

Who Is It For

  • Institutional investors
  • Companies seeking capital structure solutions
  • Clients and partners seeking exposure to public and private credit markets

A global provider of innovative investment and capital structure solutions for investors and companies

KKR Credit leverages a scaled credit platform, fundamental underwriting, agility, and global collaboration to deliver differentiated outcomes for clients and companies.

  • Scaled Credit Platform: Strong presence in both public and private credit markets, providing a differentiated perspective and sourcing edge.
  • Fundamental Underwriting: Focus on durability of cash flows and principal preservation.
  • Agile and Creative: Ability to move quickly in different market environments and deliver bespoke solutions.
  • Connectivity and Collaboration: Integrated global business maximizing collective insights and expertise.

Statistics

As of September 30, 2025, KKR Credit manages $282B in assets, with approximately 250 investment professionals and 21 years of credit investing experience.

  • $282B Assets Under Management
  • ~250 Investment Professionals
  • 21 Years of Credit Investing

Capabilities

KKR Credit offers a range of investment capabilities across public and private markets.

  • Leveraged Credit: Public markets, including leveraged loans, high yield bonds, structured credit, and multi-asset class strategies.
  • Private Credit: Private markets, including senior debt, junior debt, and asset-based finance.
  • Strategic Investments: Dynamic investments across asset classes and capital structures, including bespoke capital solutions.
  • Asset-Based Finance: Specialized asset-based finance capabilities.
  • Asia Credit: Specialized credit capabilities in Asia.

Resources

Supporting Resources

Detailed Comparison

Execution Certainty

KKR offers high execution certainty via its sizeable balance sheet, underwriting and distribution through KKR Capital Markets, and direct-lending structures that lock pricing and avoid syndication risk, advantages favored in auctions and expected to remain attractive even as syndicated markets reopen. (kkr.com)

Scalability of Funds

Highly scalable: KKR Credit manages $282B ($315B incl. liquid strategies) as of Sep 30, 2025, including $120B in private credit. (kkr.com) Credit/liquid AUM were $283.6B in Q1 2025; insurance inflows (Global Atlantic) and multiple vehicles expand capacity for large bespoke financings. (alternativecreditinvestor.com)

Customization Flexibility

High customization: KKR provides bespoke financing tailored to each borrower’s needs, spanning senior debt to structured equity. (kkr.com) Its credit platform offers bespoke capital solutions, including private credit and asset‑based finance, and is designed to move quickly and creatively. (kkr.com) KKR Capital Markets adds high‑touch, flexible structuring and execution for complex transactions across public and private markets. (kkr.com)
Last Updated: December 26, 2025
blueowl.com

Blue Owl CapitalCompany Information

Industry: Finance
API: No

Description

At Blue Owl, we are doing more than just investing in private markets—we are shaping the future of alternatives. We serve our investors by being a partner of choice for businesses seeking private capital solutions.

What They Do

Investing in private markets with a focus on credit, real assets, and strategic capital solutions for businesses.

Who They Serve

Alternative asset managers, financial advisors, growth tech companies, institutional investors, and insurance companies.

Key Value Propositions

Industry leader in private capital solutions
Comprehensive range of investment platforms
Commitment to innovation and sustainability

Target Customers

Alternative Asset Managers
Financial Advisors
Growth Tech Companies
Institutional Investors
Insurance Companies

Industries Served

Finance
Investment
Real Estate
Private Equity

Contact Information

Social Media

Summary

Provides customized private credit to primarily upper‑middle‑market companies in the U.S., serving both sponsor‑backed and non‑sponsored borrowers. Strategies span diversified, first‑lien, technology lending and opportunistic lending to support growth, M&A and refinancings.

Key Features

  • Direct lending to upper-middle-market companies
  • Financing across debt and equity-related instruments
  • Alternative credit solutions for underserved markets
  • Investment grade private credit for capital-efficient income
  • Liquid credit via management of CLO portfolios
  • Extensive senior-level relationships with sponsors
  • Proactive portfolio monitoring and risk mitigation

Key Benefits

  • Customized financing solutions tailored to borrower needs
  • Long-term, relationship-oriented investment approach
  • Ability to provide sizable commitments and full capital structures
  • Certainty, speed, and transparency in the investment process
  • Access to proprietary investment opportunities
  • Resilience through an all-weather portfolio strategy

Who Is It For

  • Private equity-sponsored companies
  • Non-sponsored companies
  • Private companies seeking debt or equity-related financing
  • Insurance companies (for investment grade private credit)
  • Institutional investors
  • Growth tech companies
  • Alternative asset managers
  • Financial advisors

Powering exceptional financing solutions

With proven expertise in direct lending, our Credit platform sits at the forefront of the private credit market. We specialize in providing a range of customized financing solutions to both private equity-sponsored and non-sponsored companies across debt and equity-related instruments. Our investment capabilities also span the alternative credit and asset-based finance markets, allowing us to harness the power of our collective insights and provide innovative capital structure solutions for our borrowers and partners.

Our difference

  • Approach: Long-term, relationship-oriented investing with sizable commitments, certainty, speed, and transparency.
  • Expertise: Led by a seasoned senior management team with diverse experience across market environments.
  • Scale: Ability to provide scaled financing solutions and support future capital needs, with $176B in gross originations and $152.1B in AUM.

Direct lending: Built for all seasons

Discover how Blue Owl’s direct lending platform offers resilience through its all-weather portfolio strategy.

Our strategies

Blue Owl provides a flexible suite of investment solutions for private companies, including Direct Lending, Alternative Credit, Investment Grade Private Credit, and Liquid Credit.

  • Direct Lending: Upper-middle-market focus, diversified/technology/first lien/opportunistic lending.
  • Alternative Credit: Specialty finance, private corporate credit, equipment leasing.
  • Investment Grade Private Credit: Asset-backed finance, structured products, insurance company focus.
  • Liquid Credit: CLO portfolios, senior secured and floating-rate loans.

Adjacent Credit investment strategies

  • Healthcare Opportunities: Equity in biopharma/healthcare, venture-like returns, public market exposure.
  • Strategic Equity: GP-led, single-asset continuation funds, alternative to traditional exits.

Our investment process

  • Deal sourcing: Independent origination via network and relationships.
  • Deal screening: Initial evaluation by internal experts.
  • Structuring and diligence: Financial review and risk mitigation.
  • Investment Committee review: Focus on downside mitigation and capital preservation.
  • Deal closing: Finalize terms and allocate across funds.
  • Ongoing monitoring: Proactive review and regular contact with management.

The power of partnership

Case studies from Associa Capital, Ob Hospitalist Group, and Troon, illustrating the impact of Blue Owl’s direct lending.

  • Associa Capital: Growth at industry-leading pace.
  • Ob Hospitalist Group: Improved outcomes for stakeholders.
  • Troon: Enabled growth and flexibility over the long term.

Resources

Supporting Resources

Detailed Comparison

Execution Certainty

High execution certainty via sizable commitments and substantial dry powder enabling full-capital-structure underwriting; a relationship‑oriented process provides certainty, speed, and transparency from diligence to close. Scale (Credit AUM $152.1B; $176B gross originations) supports reliable closing and follow‑on funding. (blueowl.com)

Scalability of Funds

Highly scalable: Credit AUM ~$152.1B; platform can lead/anchor >$1B financings. (blueowl.com) OBDC contributes a $17.1B portfolio across 238 companies, underscoring deployment breadth. (blueowlcapitalcorporation.com)

Customization Flexibility

Provides customized financing across debt and equity, with flexible structures spanning Diversified, First Lien, Technology and Opportunistic lending; alternative and asset‑based finance capabilities, ability to underwrite complexity, and capacity to commit to full capital structures serve sponsor‑backed and non‑sponsored borrowers; tailored investment‑grade private credit for insurers. (blueowl.com)

Case Studies

  • Case Study
  • Case Study
  • Case Study

Is your company listed here?

Claim your AI-optimized company profile to enhance your visibility, showcase your expertise, and connect with potential customers searching for your solutions.

Our Ranking Methodology

How we rank these offerings

We ranked these Private Credit Solutions for Corporates in USA based on three key factors: Scalability of Funds (40% weight), Execution Certainty (35% weight), and Customization Flexibility (25% weight). Asset Management scored highest because it has the largest AUM, providing significant scalability and execution certainty, which are crucial for meeting the diverse needs of large corporate borrowers.

Ranking Criteria Weights:

40%
Scalability of Funds
A higher AUM indicates the ability to support large transactions and diverse client needs, making it crucial for scalability.
35%
Execution Certainty
High execution certainty ensures reliable execution of loans, which is essential for corporates seeking stable funding.
25%
Customization Flexibility
Customized solutions are important to meet the specific needs of individual corporate borrowers, enhancing adaptability.
Rankings last updated: 12/26/2025

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the typical costs and pricing models for private credit solutions in the U.S. corporate market?
The costs and pricing models for private credit solutions typically involve interest rates that vary based on the risk profile and structure of the loan. For instance, senior secured loans, which are often considered lower risk, generally have lower interest rates compared to unitranche loans. Companies like Blackstone provide bespoke structures, which can include flexibility in repayment terms and covenants, often resulting in a premium cost. Pricing also depends on the sponsor-backed nature of the borrower, as seen with the solutions offered by Blackstone and KKR. Such tailored financing options can lead to varied pricing intricately linked to the borrower's creditworthiness and the deal's complexity.
What are the key selection criteria and considerations for choosing a private credit provider?
Key selection criteria for engaging a private credit provider include an evaluation of the provider's track record, industry specialization, and flexibility in structuring deals. For instance, a company like Credit, which offers senior secured and unitranche loans, is well-suited for companies seeking flexible capital with high certainty of execution. Additionally, firms like KKR emphasize their global credit capabilities, which can be crucial for companies with complex financing needs across different markets. Another consideration is the firm's ability to deliver solutions on a reliable and scalable basis, as highlighted by Blackstone's multi-strategy credit platform.
What industry standards and compliance requirements exist for private credit solutions?
Industry standards for private credit solutions often include adherence to regulatory frameworks such as the Dodd-Frank Act, especially for transactions involving large corporate borrowers. Providers like Credit focus on compliance with these standards while delivering structured products like senior secured loans. Blackstone emphasizes its reliable execution in alignment with compliance requirements, ensuring transactions are conducted within the regulatory guidelines. Furthermore, transparency and alignment with fiduciary responsibilities are critical, particularly for asset managers like the Asset Management company that offers scaled lending solutions.
What implementation challenges do companies face in securing private credit, and how can they be mitigated?
One major challenge in securing private credit is aligning the interests and risk appetites of all stakeholders involved. Companies like Credit, which has experience across various industries, suggest that early and clear communication with lenders can mitigate these challenges. Another challenge is ensuring certainty of execution, which firms like the Asset Management company address by providing bespoke and scalable structures tailored to specific corporate needs. Partnering with providers known for cyclical resilience, like Credit, can also help navigate market volatility during the lending process.
How do private credit solutions deliver ROI and value to U.S. corporates?
Private credit solutions deliver ROI and value by providing tailored financing options that align with the growth and strategic objectives of corporates. For instance, Credit’s focus on sponsor-backed companies allows borrowers to benefit from flexible capital, leading to potential cost savings and enhanced financial leverage. Credit solutions that include technology and opportunistic lending, as offered by Credit, enable technological advancements and strategic acquisitions, contributing to long-term growth. Additionally, using the diversified strategies highlighted by Credit can optimize capital allocation and risk management, ultimately driving enhanced financial performance.

Our Promise: We promise to deliver the highest quality company and offering data, free from sponsored bias. We compile data from across the internet, to give the most accurate and true rankings, according to our transparent algorithms.