Apollo has launched European Credit Company, a new credit platform focused exclusively on performing credit opportunities across Europe, with more than €10 billion of initial lending capacity.
European Credit Company, or ECC, will provide corporate and asset-backed financing to large and mid-market borrowers across the region.
The platform is designed to work with companies, sponsors, infrastructure owners, real estate investors, and other borrowers seeking flexible financing solutions tied to growth, investment, and long-term capital needs.
Apollo said ECC was created in response to rising financing requirements across Europe associated with what it describes as a broader industrial renaissance.
Those needs include investment in energy transition and transmission, defense, digital infrastructure, traditional infrastructure, and other areas requiring significant long-term capital.
ECC is backed by long-term capital from Apollo funds and affiliates, Abu Dhabi Investment Council, Athora, Norinchukin Bank, Standard Chartered, and Aranda Principal Strategies.
Giacomo Petrobelli will serve as CEO of European Credit Company, while Christian Meissner has been appointed Chairman.
ECC plans to source investments through three primary channels.
The company will originate transactions directly, develop strategic partnerships with European financial institutions, and access opportunities through Apollo’s broader European credit platform.
That structure is intended to give ECC a combination of local relationships, institutional-scale capital, and access to Apollo’s existing credit origination capabilities.
The company will initially operate across Frankfurt, Jersey, London, Luxembourg City, and Milan.
ECC plans to expand into additional European markets over the coming quarters as it develops its regional lending franchise.
The launch also extends Apollo’s credit platform by creating a dedicated financing company focused specifically on European borrowers and real assets.
Apollo managed approximately $1.05 trillion in assets as of June 30, 2026.
ECC will focus on performing corporate and asset-backed credit and position itself as a long-term financing partner for businesses and asset owners across Europe.
The platform is intended to complement traditional financial institutions while helping institutional investors deploy capital into European credit opportunities tied to economic growth and infrastructure development.
KEY QUOTES:
“The formation of ECC is driven by a generational opportunity to mobilize 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.”
Giacomo Petrobelli, CEO Of European Credit Company
“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 localized approach, working in harmony with the larger Apollo franchise and alongside other leading global financial institutions.”
Jim Zelter, President Of Apollo
