Creador, a prominent Malaysian private equity firm, invested P4 billion in Asialink Finance Corp., a leading lender to small and medium enterprises (SMEs).
The investment gives Creador an 18-percent stake in Asialink.
Asialink said in a statement it would 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 lending expansion, Creador will help improve the lender’s operational efficiency and offer its expertise in business innovation and automation.
“With Creador, Asialink is primed for further growth to help the largely the 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.
The partnership underscores the commitment of both parties to drive Asialink towards sustained growth and market leadership, he said.
Paulton & Company acted as Asialink’s financial advisor for the transaction.