Värde Partners
Värde Partners is a leading global alternative investment firm specializing in credit and credit-related assets. At a fundamental level, Värde seeks to unlock and create value – Värde means value in Swedish – and applies a relative value lens to look for the most attractive opportunities globally. Founded in 1993, the firm has invested through multiple credit cycles, building on its roots in special situations and distressed to invest more than $100 billion across the credit quality and liquidity spectrum in both public and private markets. Värde currently manages approximately $13 billion in assets with teams in North America, Europe, and Asia Pacific focused on Corporate & Traded Credit, Real Estate, and Financial Services & Diversified Private Credit.
Värde History
Värde Partners was founded in 1993 in Minnesota by three investment professionals: George Hicks (right), Marcia Page (center) and Greg McMillan (left). Pioneers in the nascent years of the alternative investment industry, each founder brought broad experience in financial markets and a shared set of values. Värde's early focus was on distressed assets and included investments across the liquidity spectrum from the very start. Over time, the firm extended its investing platform to a broader set of strategies and assets, all rooted in its deep credit heritage. The complexity of these opportunities demands commitment and discipline around a process honed over decades of practice and success. This investment philosophy is supported by the firm’s integrated platform, with an institutional operating model in place to maintain a flexible, adaptable organization.
Responsibility
Värde’s core purpose is to fundamentally change lives for the good by finding innovative ways to invest and create value.
The firm believes that environmental, social and governance (“ESG”) principles align naturally with its core values, as well as its fiduciary responsibility to protect, create, and maximize value for investors.
Guided by Värde’s senior leadership and CIOs, where possible ESG factors are considered throughout the firm’s operations as well as the investment lifecycle from diligence to exit.
A strong belief that everyone benefits from a more diverse, equitable, and inclusive society and a culture of generosity underpin the firm’s efforts to create positive change in our industry and our communities.
Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
Värde is committed to increasing diversity and fostering a culture of equity and inclusion – both within the firm and broadly in the alternative investment industry. Värde has long believed that a team composed of individuals with varied backgrounds and perspectives leads to better investment and business outcomes.
Värde strives to attract, develop, and advance the strongest talent inclusive of people from any race, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, age, or life experience. Periodic reviews of recruiting practices help ensure the firm is accessing a diverse pool of talent and creating an equitable process for all candidates. The firm is intentional about cultivating an inclusive workplace where all employees feel like they belong, have a voice, and can thrive.
Värde was honored to participate in the W.K. Kellogg Foundation’s inaugural Expanding Equity cohort of investment managers focused on advancing racial equity, diversity, and inclusion in business. Through innovative partnerships with nonprofit organizations, Värde is taking meaningful action to develop interest in careers in finance among young people from underrepresented backgrounds. The firm encourages its employees to participate in affinity groups, such as the women’s and working parent networks, and offers a variety of programs and workshops to support their needs.
Värde is a proud signatory of the ILPA Diversity in Action initiative, a shared commitment to advance diversity, equity, and inclusion in the alternative investment industry. In addition, the firm partners with several global organizations to support underrepresented talent in the investment industry around the world.
Partnerships include:
Community & Philanthropy
Värde is passionate about giving back in its local communities. Through skills-based volunteer efforts and financial support, the firm is focused on advancing education and children & youth development, with a commitment to reaching marginalized populations and supporting financial literacy. In addition to company-led initiatives and sponsored volunteer opportunities, Värde proudly supports employees’ personal philanthropic efforts, including a charitable match program for volunteer time or financial contributions.
Partnerships across Värde’s geographic regions include:
