A Middle Eastern private equity firm has acquired a minority stake in La Trobe Financial from Brookfield, valuing La Trobe at $3 billion.
Axight is an Abu Dhabi-based private equity manager, established by global investment firm Lunate which has over US$115 billion ($160 billion) in assets under management.
Brookfield has owned La Trobe since May 2022 via its private equity business and will remain a majority shareholder alongside Axight’s minority stake which it will hold through a managed vehicle.
Since Brookfield’s acquisition, La Trobe’s assets under management have risen from $14 billion to $23 billion, a rise of 64 per cent, while it has also launched new products, and improved its systems and efficiencies.
In a statement, La Trobe said the acquisition reflects the strength and maturity of La Trobe Financial, and its long-term growth potential within Asia-Pacific real estate credit and investment markets.
“The investment brings together highly aligned private markets expertise across La Trobe Financial, Brookfield, Axight and Lunate, creating new opportunities to support the next phase of growth, deepen regional and global relationships, and strengthen capabilities across the business.”
La Trobe chief executive, Chris Andrews, said: “This transaction is a strong endorsement of La Trobe Financial’s position as one of Australia’s most recognised asset managers, with more than A$23 billion in assets under management and a 70 year+ track record through multiple economic cycles.
“It reflects the quality and resilience of our platform, the depth of our investor base, and the significant growth opportunities we see across Australian real estate credit and investment markets.”
Shiv Gupta, head of Australia for Brookfield’s private equity group, said: “We have high conviction in La Trobe Financial’s long-term value. The business has added $3 billion in AUM during the last 12 months alone and with structural tailwinds – including an ageing population, growing superannuation balances and an estimated $7.5 trillion in household financial assets – the opportunity ahead is significant.
“We are pleased to welcome Axight and together will work alongside management to help La Trobe Financial execute on its strategy of delivering consistent, risk aware returns to investors and reliable, specialist credit solutions to borrowers.”
Mujtaba Hussain and Jerry He, co-managing partners at Axight, said: “This transaction reflects our strategy on partnering with high‑quality platforms underpinned by strong fundamentals, resilient business models, outstanding management teams and clear pathways for long‑term value creation.”
The transaction is subject to regulatory approval and expected to close in the third quarter of 2026.
