Creador invests P4 billion into Asialink

The Philippine Star

February 29, 2024 | 12:00am

MANILA, Philippines — Creador, a prominent Southeast Asian private equity firm, has invested P4 billion in Asialink Finance Corp., a leading lender to small and medium enterprises.

The investment gives Creador an 18 percent stake in Asialink and a seat on its board of directors.

Asialink will use the funds to expand its lending capacity and support the growth of SMEs, the backbone of the economy and a major generator of jobs all over the country.

Aside from funding Asialink’s expansion across the country, Creador will help improve the lender’s operational efficiency, introduce international banking partners and leverage its expertise from investing in multiple NBFCs to support business innovation and automation.

“Creador is delighted to partner with the Asialink Group, the leading provider of secured vehicle loans to SMEs in the country. With our investment, hard working business owners will gain access to the financial system as the company expands geographically, launches new products and leverages data to digitalize its services”, said Omar Mahmoud, managing director and country head of Philippines at Creador.

“With Creador, Asialink is primed for further growth to help the largely unbanked part of the business community. This partnership is envisioned to strengthen the SMEs and make them a major contributor to economic growth just like in other developed economies”, said Robert Jordan Jr., CEO of Asialink.

This partnership underscores the commitment of both parties to drive Asialink towards sustained growth and market leadership, he added.

Paulton & Co. acted as Asialink’s financial advisor for this transaction and Gorricetta as legal advisor to Creador.