ACON hires former Avenue MD for D.C. office

-
  • Helped launch Avenue Capital’s distressed business
  • Founding board member of CION Investment Corp BDC
  • Previously was a managing director at Fenway Partners

Before joining ACON, Schwarz was a managing director at Avenue Capital, where he helped launch that firm’s distressed private equity business. He also was a founding board member of CION Investment Corp, a business development company sub-advised by Apollo Global Management.

Schwartz previously founded illiquid investment firm Constructivist Capital. He also spent more than a decade at Fenway Partners, where he contributed to that firm’s investments in Simmons, MW Windows, Harry Winston and 1-800 Contacts.

ACON was founded in 1996. The firm’s website emphasizes its focus on Latin American investments, as well as those that address the U.S. Hispanic community. In addition to its Washington and Los Angeles locations, ACON also maintains offices in Mexico City, Bogota and São Paulo.

The firm’s portfolio also includes several investments in the energy and energy services sectors. In November, ACON exited its investment in downstream energy company Northern Tier Energy LP to Western Refining Inc for a total consideration of $775 million plus distribution of common units.

ACON also invests in more generalist strategies. The firm acquired cooler manufacturer Igloo Products Corp from J.H. Whitney in March.