Inlet Capital Mgmt. and Swig Equities form new venture to invest in R.E.

Inlet Capital Management, LLC and Kent Swig of Swig Equities, LLC have formed a venture to invest in real estate debt and equity in the public and private markets, as well as provide real estate investment banking and advisory services through HelmsleySpear Capital Advisors, LLC. Swig has purchased an interest in Inlet Capital Management, LLC, which is now affiliated with Swig Equities and HelmsleySpear. "Inlet Capital Management, LLC, will continue to take advantage of opportunities in public and private real estate debt and equity markets, including REIT securities and commercial real estate loans. Forced selling of performing loans and other assets combined with distress in the capital markets present a historic opportunity to invest. Inlet Capital's track record of underwriting debt and equity investments combined with the Swig Equities' service platform and infrastructure will provide experience and expertise for both real estate investments as well as complimentary services to investors in Inlet Capital managed funds," said Keith Locker, president and chief executive officer of Inlet Capital Management, LLC. The venture's newest vehicle, Inlet Real Estate Finance L.P., is currently raising funds to invest in public and private real estate debt securities, and specifically REIT debt. In conjunction with Swig Equities and HelmsleySpear, the transaction will enable Inlet Capital Management, LLC to broaden its services in several new areas which shall be implemented through HelmsleySpear Capital Advisors, LLC. Other team members working on investment management, private equity, financial and capital advisory, and restructuring and related services include Craig Richards, managing director; Majid Geramian, managing director; and Bryce MacDonald, managing director.