Gottex Fund Management Holdings, an independent global alternative asset management group, has announced the acquisition of a majority stake in SJC Capital Partners, a US-based investment management firm.

Guernsey-incorporated Gottex Fund Management Holdings, an independent global alternative asset management group, has announced the acquisition of a majority stake in SJC Capital Partners, a US-based investment management firm.

Gottex is focused on providing management services to a range of hedge funds and funds of hedge funds. The SJC controlling interests will add direct lending products to its portfolio. The company said direct lending to the mid-market is an attractive space as it could offer lower-risk opportunities and “uncorrelated returns” as traditional sources of financing contract.

SJC provides secured direct lending to US and European mid-market companies. Founder and chief investment officer Stephen Czech and his team will join Gottex’s New York operations.

Joachim Gottschalk, chairman and CEO of Gottex commented, “We are very pleased to welcome Steve and the rest of the SJC team to Gottex. They are a strong fit with the Gottex model with an excellent track record in the direct lending market. We look forward to working with them to strengthen our asset-based product range and to capitalise on the opportunities in the secured direct lending space.”