Oaktree Specialty Lending Corporation is an externally managed business development company (BDC) that provides customized financing solutions to U.S. middle-market companies. Launched in 2014 and externally managed by Oaktree Capital Management’s credit platform, the company focuses on originating senior secured loans, second-lien and subordinated debt, and selective equity co-investments. Headquartered in Los Angeles, Oaktree Specialty Lending leverages Oaktree’s deep credit research capabilities and risk management processes to deliver tailored capital solutions across a broad range of industries.
The company’s primary activities include structuring and underwriting debt instruments for privately held or thinly traded enterprises, with an emphasis on cash flow lending and asset-backed financing. In addition to traditional first-lien senior secured loans, Oaktree Specialty Lending may invest in special situations, distressed credits, bridge financings, and mezzanine debt to support organic growth, strategic acquisitions, or balance sheet recapitalizations. Through a disciplined, bottom-up investment approach, the firm seeks to generate current income for shareholders while preserving capital and managing downside risk.
Oaktree Specialty Lending draws on the experience of Oaktree Capital Management’s leadership team, including co-founders Howard Marks and Bruce Karsh, as well as a dedicated group of senior credit professionals. The BDC structure allows it to maintain a diversified portfolio across industry sectors such as healthcare, business services, technology, industrials, and energy. By concentrating on middle-market transactions, the company aims to fill a financing niche often underserved by traditional banks, offering flexible terms and deep credit expertise to support the growth strategies of its corporate borrowers.
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