White Oak UK, an affiliate of White Oak Global Advisors, announced plans to launch a new private credit strategy to support UK reindustrialization by financing manufacturing modernization, industrial capacity, capital equipment, infrastructure, and supply chain resilience.
This strategy builds on White Oak UK’s 40-year track record of financing SMEs and mid-market businesses while leveraging one of the UK’s largest non-bank lending platforms. Since 2018, White Oak UK has originated more than £3 billion in loans and built an extensive origination network spanning direct borrower relationships, bank referral networks, advisor partnerships, and government-supported lending programs.
The strategy is targeting up to £1.5 billion in capital and will focus on flexible financing solutions for businesses across key UK sectors, including manufacturing, engineering, healthcare, life sciences, aerospace, and defense. The strategy is centered on four themes: asset acquisition and modernization, growth and expansion, operational resilience and working capital, and infrastructure and footprint.
White Oak’s origination platform, including its affiliates, will leverage more than 20 banking relationships to refer loan opportunities that do not fit UK banks’ risk appetites. The platform will also utilize cross-border financing through UK and US-based banking partnerships, as well as broker-dealer and investment bank capital advisory channels where exclusive origination partnerships have been developed.
White Oak said its lending is predominantly senior-secured, asset-backed, and originated directly rather than through competitive sponsor auctions. The initiative comes as UK businesses continue to face a major funding gap, with White Oak estimating that 75% of SMEs expect to require external financing in the near term. The Bank of England has also estimated a nationwide SME funding gap of £22 billion.
KEY QUOTES:
“Supporting small and mid-size businesses has been central to White Oak’s approach for decades. We believe there’s a real opportunity here for private capital to address the long-term shift away from manufacturing towards services. By leveraging our extensive origination platform and deep experience serving SMEs, we are well-positioned to address a critical need across the UK economy.”
Andre Hakkak, Co-Founder and CEO at White Oak
“UK businesses continue to face growth and working capital shortages at a time when many are looking to expand and strengthen their operations. White Oak’s broad lending capabilities allow us to structure flexible solutions for businesses underserved by traditional lenders, and this strategy will support companies investing in long-term growth across the UK.”
Jeremy Harrison, Managing Director at White Oak UK
