P10 Expands into Lower-Middle Market Direct Lending with Acquisition of Stellus Capital Management

Core Viewpoint - P10, Inc. has announced a definitive agreement to acquire Stellus Capital Management for an initial purchase price of $250 million, which will add approximately $3.8 billion in assets under management to P10's portfolio [1][2][4]. Company Overview - P10, Inc. is a leading private markets solutions provider with over $40 billion in assets under management as of September 30, 2025, focusing on private equity, private credit, and venture capital in the middle and lower-middle market [8]. - Stellus Capital Management specializes in senior secured loans in the lower-middle market and has a track record of investing over $10.3 billion across more than 375 companies [2][9]. Transaction Details - The acquisition involves 100% of Stellus's equity interests and fee-related earnings, excluding existing private fund carried interest or performance fees [4]. - The initial consideration of $250 million consists of $125 million in cash and $125 million in units of P10 Intermediate Holdings, LLC, which can be exchanged for P10 common stock [5]. - An additional earnout consideration of up to $60 million may be payable based on fee-related revenue in 2027 and 2029 [5]. Strategic Fit - The acquisition aligns with P10's long-term strategy to partner with specialized investment managers in the middle and lower-middle market, enhancing its direct lending capabilities [3]. - Stellus's existing management team will continue to operate the firm, maintaining its investment decision-making processes [1][3]. Future Outlook - The transaction is expected to close in mid-2026, subject to shareholder approvals and customary closing conditions, and is anticipated to be modestly accretive to P10's ANI per share and FRE margin in the first full year post-close [6].