Webster Financial Corporation and Marathon Asset Management, L.P. announced they are forming a private credit joint venture, which will deliver direct lending solutions to sponsor-backed middle market companies. The partnership combines each firm's credit expertise, private equity sponsor relationships and standing in the middle market with Webster Bank's full banking product suite that serves companies primarily in the middle market and Marathon's 26-plus years of experience in asset management. The joint venture will originate directly sourced senior secured loans across various industries in which Webster Bank and Marathon have established track records of investing, with more than 100 employees from both companies working closely together, including investment and business development professionals.

Webster Bank's Sponsor & Specialty Finance Group has provided credit solutions and other banking services to the portfolio companies of private equity sponsors for two decades. Its dedicated team of over 50 bankers has fostered relationships with more than 125 sponsors nationwide.