Pensioenfonds Detailhandel, the Dutch pension scheme for those working in the retail sector, has selected Tikehau Capital to manage a €100m impact private debt mandate through its impact lending strategy.

The investment mandate issued follows Pensioenfonds Detailhandel’s decision to allocate c.1 per cent of its total assets to three managers active in the impact investing space. Earlier this month, the Dutch pension fund invested in Polestar Capital’s circular economy
debt fund. A third manager will be issued with a mandate focused on emerging markets.

Launched in December 2020, Tikehau Capital’s Impact Lending strategy seeks to contribute to a sustainable European economy while providing investors with competitive returns. It primarily invests in SMEs which contribute to the sustainable economic transition through their product offering, resource management, or processes.

Tikehau Impact Lending’s approach and investment framework is closely aligned with Pensioenfonds Detailhandel’s own investment philosophy. The fund’s Socially Responsible Investment Policy is informed by the conviction that investing in a socially responsible manner is key to contributing positively to the environment and society, whilst generating long-term returns for their clients.

Pensioenfonds Detailhandel’s mandate is aligned with three of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), namely SDG 8: “Decent Work & Economic Growth”, SDG 12: “Responsible Consumption & Production” and SDG 13: “Climate Action”, areas that are part of Tikehau ImpactLending fund’s priorities and investment framework.

Commenting, Pensioenfonds Detailhandel head of investments, Henk Groot, said: “Investing our capital with a socially responsible approach, whilst generating long term value is central to our investment principles and decision-making at Pensioenfonds Detailhandel. Tikehau Capital’s impressive impact investing credentials, in addition to their in depth understanding of the European market is fully aligned with our objectives.”

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