Ridgepost Capital has completed its acquisition of Stellus Capital Management, a U.S. direct lender specializing in the lower-middle market with approximately $4 billion in assets under management. The transaction strengthens Ridgepost's private credit capabilities and expands its investment strategies within the middle and lower-middle market sectors. Stellus will continue to be managed by its current partners, who will lead day-to-day operations and investment decisions.

Luke Sarsfield, Ridgepost Capital Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, stated that the acquisition marks a significant milestone in the company's strategy to partner with leading specialized investment managers. He emphasized that Stellus' operating history and track record will enhance Ridgepost's private credit capabilities, supported by a shared philosophy of investment excellence and long-term value creation for clients.

Robert Ladd, Managing Partner of Stellus, expressed confidence that the combination offers access to expertise from complementary investment managers. He highlighted Ridgepost's broad platform, extensive sponsor relationships, and commitment to partnership as factors that will strengthen Stellus' ability to originate attractive investment opportunities across its business development companies (BDCs) and private funds.

Based in Houston, TX, Stellus provides senior-secured loans to sponsor-backed, lower-middle market companies in the U.S. As of March 31, 2026, the firm reported $3.8 billion in assets under management, including $2.6 billion in fee-paying assets under management. More than 70% of its fee-related revenue is generated from permanent capital vehicles. The senior team has deployed over $10.5 billion of capital across more than 375 companies during their 22 years of investing together.

Key Financial Metrics

Ridgepost Capital is a private markets solutions provider with over $45 billion in assets under management as of March 31, 2026. The firm invests across Private Equity, Private Credit, and Venture Capital, focusing on access-constrained strategies in the middle and lower-middle market. Stellus was formed within the D.E. Shaw Group in 2004 and spun out in 2012. It manages assets across closed-end institutional funds, a public BDC (NYSE: SCM), and a perpetual private BDC.

Ridgepost Capital has appointed Wendy Reese as Director of Operations effective June 18, 2026, to bolster the firm's operational efficiency and governance frameworks. The appointment is part of a broader strategy to support the firm's continued growth across its platform. Ridgepost Capital manages over $45 billion in assets under management as of March 31, 2026.

Reese joins Ridgepost with significant leadership experience in operations, program management, and enterprise governance within complex financial services organizations. Most recently, she held a senior operations leadership role where she oversaw strategic portfolio delivery, governance frameworks, and enterprise transformation initiatives.

In her new role, Reese will focus on enhancing operational efficiency, strengthening governance processes, and supporting the firm's continued growth. "Wendy's track record of driving operational excellence and executing at scale makes her an ideal addition to Ridgepost," said Luke Sarsfield, Ridgepost Capital Chairman and Chief Executive Officer.

Simultaneously, Ridgepost Capital continues to invest in its Global Client Solutions team to better serve investors and support growth initiatives. The firm has welcomed Abby Kizer, Will Lindsey, and Will Pierce over the last few months to strengthen its expertise in client coverage and business development.

"We are excited to welcome Abby Kizer, Will Lindsey and Will Pierce to the team," added Sarita Narson Jairath, Ridgepost Capital Global Head of Client Solutions. "Their experience and client-focused approach enhances our ability to deliver tailored solutions to our partners and investors."

Key Appointments