Ridgepost Capital, Inc. (NYSE: RPC) (“Ridgepost” or “Ridgepost Capital”) today announced it has completed its previously announced acquisition of Stellus Capital Management, LLC (“Stellus”), a leading U.S. direct lender focused on the lower-middle market with approximately $4 billion in assets under management. Stellus will continue to be managed by its current partners who will lead day-to-day operations, including investment decisions and investment committee processes.
“Closing the Stellus transaction marks another significant milestone in Ridgepost’s strategy to partner with leading specialized investment managers operating in the middle and lower-middle market,” said Luke Sarsfield, Ridgepost Capital Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. “This acquisition is a natural fit with Ridgepost’s lower-middle market GP ecosystem, creating growth opportunities and further differentiating our investment strategies. Stellus’ longstanding operating history and track record will meaningfully enhance our private credit capabilities, underpinned by a shared philosophy of investment excellence and long-term value creation for clients.”
“We are pleased to join Ridgepost’s leading alternatives platform and begin this next phase of growth together,” said Robert Ladd, Managing Partner of Stellus. “Ridgepost’s broad and collaborative platform, extensive sponsor relationships, and commitment to partnership strengthen our ability to originate attractive investment opportunities across our BDCs and private funds. We are confident this combination offers access to expertise and insights from complementary investment managers, allowing us to better meet the evolving needs of our investors.”
Based in Houston, TX, Stellus is an established direct lending platform that provides senior-secured loans to sponsor-backed, lower-middle market companies in the U.S. With $3.8 billion in assets under management as of March 31, 2026, including $2.6 billion in fee-paying AUM, more than 70% of its fee-related revenue is generated from permanent capital vehicles. Stellus’ senior team has been investing together for over 22 years and has deployed in excess of $10.5 billion of capital across over 375 companies during that time.
Kirkland & Ellis LLP and Troutman Pepper Locke LLP served as legal advisors to Ridgepost Capital.
Goldman, Sachs & Co. acted as exclusive financial advisor and Eversheds Sutherland (US) LLP and Winston & Strawn LLP served as legal advisors to Stellus.
