AGF and SAF Refine Long-term Partnership AGF to deliver exclusive access to SAF’s private credit expertise in the Canadian Retail Marketplace
TORONTO, Aug. 19, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- AGF Management Limited (AGF) announced today an evolution of its strategic partnership with the SAF Group (SAF) following the successful launches of two connected offerings, AGF SAF Private Credit Limited Partnership and AGF SAF Private Credit Trust. This partnership is focused on providing investors access to unique private alternative opportunities leveraging AGF’s operations and distribution reach coupled with SAF’s private credit investment management expertise.
“Following the positive interest from our strategic partners to the launch of our innovative private credit offerings, we are thrilled to be the exclusive provider of SAF’s investment capabilities and expertise in Canada to the retail marketplace,” said Judy Goldring, President and Head of Global Distribution, AGF.
AGF began partnering with SAF in 2014 with AGF acting as a cornerstone investor in Stream Asset Financial Management Limited Partnership. AGF has subsequently also invested in the SAF Jackson Private Debt SPV and further expanded the relationship with the launch of the private credit funds earlier this year. The distribution agreement between AGF and SAF positions both firms well to capitalize on the expected growth in private credit investments by combining the expertise of SAF Group, one of Canada’s leading alternative capital providers, with AGF’s operational scale and expertise, strong brand, product innovation, client servicing and distribution excellence.
“We are excited to continue our long-term relationship with AGF as partnering has unlocked crucial additional capacity for SAF’s investment management personnel while also capitalizing on the operational scale, tenure and credibility of a firm like AGF,” said Ryan Dunfield, Founder and CEO, SAF Group. “Maximizing our reach through our partnership with AGF affords us the ability to expand our client base while remaining focused on the origination and management of our investments and LPs to deliver long-term success for our investors as we continue to grow.”
In conjunction with the previously announced fund launch, AGF and SAF have agreed to a definitive agreement along with a distribution arrangement as an alternative to AGF exercising its option to acquire management contracts of select SAF funds.
“We believe that by determining the key elements of the partnership and having SAF remain an independent firm focused on credit analysis and investment management, we have achieved an optimal arrangement between our two firms. Partnering with the outstanding team at SAF is a key focus as we work to realize our strategic vision for our private alternatives business – one that combines offering diversified capabilities and products across multiple planks alongside participation as a core investor delivering added value for the firm’s shareholders,” said Kevin McCreadie, Chief Executive Officer and Chief Investment Officer, AGF.