A new face in Central European mezzanine

Syntaxis Capital is the latest entrant taking advantage of opportunities in Central Europe. The new firm has been formed by Ben Edwards, Przemek Szczepanski and Thomas Spring and will arrange and provide mezzanine capital to medium-sized Central European businesses. Syntaxis will initially operate through offices in Vienna and Warsaw.

Edwards has been active in the European leveraged finance market for over 17 years. He was one of the original team members at Mezzanine Management, joining that firm in 1988 shortly after its formation. More recently, Edwards was one of the founding members of the team at Mezzanine Management responsible for its Central European fund, Accession Mezzanine Capital (AMC.) Przemek Szczepanski and Thomas Spring were also both previously involved in the management of AMC and all three individuals have significant experience in the field of mezzanine capital and leveraged finance for Central European companies.

The firm has formed a strategic alliance with Indigo Capital Limited, a well-established provider of mezzanine capital to European businesses. As part of the alliance, Indigo Capital will take a minority stake in Syntaxis, and Syntaxis and Indigo will work together on developing investment opportunities and implementing investments. Indigo Capital will provide funding for the venture on a deal-by-deal basis.

Ben Edwards of Syntaxis said: “We believe the mezzanine market in Central Europe will become increasingly important and we are delighted to be able to form our own investment management company and build on the extensive relationships we already have in the region. Indigo’s experience as a highly respected mezzanine provider will be extremely valuable and their involvement is a huge endorsement of Syntaxis and our business plan. We look forward to working with them in Central Europe as the market continues to develop and provide exciting investment opportunities.”