Latest news with #ArgentemCreek
Russia Today
14-07-2025
- Business
- Russia Today
US investors take over key Ukrainian Black Sea grain hub
US investors have taken over a key export facility at Ukraine's Port of Odessa after winning a lengthy court battle with its previous owners, the Financial Times reported on Monday. The Olimpex grain terminal is one of Ukraine's largest, with an annual capacity of 5 million tons. In the lawsuit, US-based Argentem Creek Partners and Innovatus Capital Partners accused GNT Group of defrauding them on a $20 million loan. According to the court filings, the Ukrainian company misrepresented grain that was supposed to be held as collateral and staged the destruction of what it said was spoiled stock after defaulting following the escalation of the conflict with Russia in 2022. GNT denied any wrongdoing, and accused the investors of using the loans to stage a 'hostile takeover' of the terminal. A protracted probe and court battle resulted in the arrest of Ukrainian businessman Vladimir Naumenko, one of GNT's key beneficiaries, on fraud charges in May. Last week, Ukraine's Supreme Court approved the facility's transfer. Naumenko's partner, Sergey Groza, dismissed the charges against GNT as 'fabricated,' claiming the court acted on 'commands from above,' referring to Vladimir Zelensky's administration. In an interview with Groza alleged that US investors had used their 'colossal administrative resources' in Ukraine to intimidate GNT and seize the terminal, including employee arrests and office searches. Zelensky's Chief of Staff Andrey Yermak admitted to FT that Kiev had assisted the investors in the legal battle, though he claimed its role was 'purely coordinative.' John Patton, partner at Argentem Creek, told FT that the new management aims to take over the terminal immediately and reopen it this summer, in time for the grain harvest. The Port of Odessa, founded by the Russian Empire in 1794, plays a vital role in global grain exports. It was central to the UN-backed Black Sea Grain Initiative, which initially ensured safe passage for grain shipments during the conflict. Russia withdrew from the deal in 2023, citing the West's failure to lift sanctions on its agricultural exports, a condition of the agreement. Moscow has since accused Kiev of using the port to launch kamikaze drone attacks and deliver weapons, and struck its infrastructure with missiles.
Associated Press
12-05-2025
- Business
- Associated Press
Argentem Creek Partners Announces Strategic Appointments to Drive Middle East Expansion and Global Growth
NEW YORK, NY / ACCESS Newswire / May 12, 2025 / Argentem Creek Partners, a premier emerging market specialist investment firm today announced two senior leadership appointments as it strengthens its presence in the Middle East and scales operations globally. Dilip N. Massand has been named Head of Global Strategic Partnerships and Co-Head of Middle East based in Abu Dhabi, and Beatriz Franco has joined as Chief Operating Officer, based in New York. The firm is actively broadening its leadership team to support growth across key markets and expand its investor offering. The move follows the issuance of Argentem's strategic license from the Financial Services Authority of ADGM, the international financial Centre of Abu Dhabi in 2024 and the establishment of its MENA and Asia headquarters in Abu Dhabi. The firm is increasing its focus on the Middle East as a priority market for sourcing deals, forming partnerships, and launching new investment his role as Head of Global Strategic Partnerships and Co-Head of Middle East Massand will co-lead the firm's regional expansion together with Jeroen Westrik. He will also drive global strategic partnerships, including joint ventures, co-investment platforms, and business development initiatives. With more than 30 years of experience across the U.S., India, and the GCC, Dilip is known for his work in legal finance, asset recovery, and cross-border special situations. He was previously CEO of Phoenix Advisors Ltd., a legal finance firm based in ADGM, and Managing Director of SAS Asset Recovery. As COO, Beatriz will oversee legal, operations, and business infrastructure globally, and serve on the firm's executive committees. Beatriz brings nearly three decades of experience in banking, law, and venture capital. She spent nine years at JPMorgan in private credit, DCM, and structured products, worked at law firms across New York, Silicon Valley, and Brazil, and later served as CEO of an agtech company and founder of a venture capital fund. 'These appointments reflect where we are headed as a firm,' said Daniel Chapman, CEO of Argentem Creek Partners. 'Dilip brings deep relationships and regional insight at a time when the Middle East is becoming increasingly important to our business. Beatriz adds global execution strength and operational leadership across asset classes and regions. Together, they will greatly enhance our ability to deliver value to our clients and help drive the next chapter of Argentem's growth.' Maarten Terlouw, President & Co-Chief Investment Officer of Argentem Creek Partners added 'The recent appointments strengthen our ability to deploy capital with speed and discipline in today's shifting global environment. We're pleased to expand our team and enter a new growth phase in response to market demand and evolving conditions - while staying true to our values of excellence and execution.' About Argentem Creek Partners Argentem Creek Partners is an emerging market specialist investment firm focused on special situations and Structured Capital Solutions. Argentem Creek was founded in 2015 by Daniel Chapman and his former team from Cargill, Inc subsidiary, Black River Asset Management. The firm has resources in Buenos Aires, London, Abu Dhabi and is headquarters in New York. For further information contact: [email protected] Media Contact Organization: Argentem Creek Partners Contact Person Name: Loredana Matei Website: Email: [email protected] Contact Number: +18772354500 Address: 156 West 56th Street, 17th Floor, New York, NY 10019 City: New York State: New York Country: United States SOURCE: Argentem Creek Partners press release
Zawya
12-05-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Argentem Creek partners expands Middle East mandate with appointment of Dilip Massand
Abu Dhabi: Argentem Creek Partners, a premier emerging market specialist investment firm announces today the appointment of Dilip N. Massand as Head of Global Strategic Partnerships and Co-Head of Middle East, reinforcing the firm's growth trend in the ME region following the award of a strategic license from the Financial Services Authority of ADGM in 2024 and the establishment of its MENA and Asia headquarters in Abu Dhabi. The appointment marks a significant step in Argentem's expansion strategy in the Middle East and deepens its footprint in the region. Based in Abu Dhabi, Dilip will co-lead together with Jeroen Westrik, the firm's regional expansion and will drive global strategic partnerships, including co-investments, joint ventures, and new platform development. With over three decades of experience across the Middle East, South Asia, and the U.S., Dilip brings a deep understanding of multi-jurisdictional deal structuring and asset recovery. He previously served as co-founder and CEO of Phoenix Advisors Ltd., a legal finance firm based in ADGM, and earlier as Managing Director of SAS Asset Recovery, a special situations platform sponsored by a U.S. credit manager. He also advises Alvarez & Marsal and sits on advisory boards including New York Law School's Alternative Dispute Resolution Center and Education for Employment. 'Dilip's appointment reflects our conviction in the region's long-term investment opportunity,' said Maarten Terlouw, President & Co-Chief Investment Officer at Argentem Creek. 'His cross-border experience, institutional relationships, and entrepreneurial track record will be critical to growing our business from Abu Dhabi while also aligning Argentem with global capital partners.' The announcement comes amid a broader strategic expansion for Argentem Creek globally. The firm also announced the appointment of Beatriz Franco as Chief Operating Officer, based in New York. Beatriz joins with nearly 30 years of international experience spanning banking, law, venture capital, and entrepreneurship. She spent nine years at JPMorgan in Private Credit and Structured Products, practiced law across New York, Silicon Valley, and Brazil, and most recently served as CEO of an agtech startup and founder of a boutique venture capital fund. She holds an MBA in Finance, a Master's in Law, and is admitted to the New York, California, and Brazilian Bar. As COO, Beatriz will report to the firm's leadership and oversee legal, operations, and enterprise support functions. She will serve on multiple internal committees and play a key role in supporting Argentem's global growth agenda. Daniel Chapman, CEO of Argentem Creek, commented: 'As we scale our global platform, these two appointments reflect our commitment to regional execution and institutional-grade operational excellence. Dilip's leadership in the Middle East and Beatriz's multidisciplinary expertise in law, finance, and venture will play a critical role in scaling our activities and supporting Argentem's ambitious strategic growth agenda' About Argentem Creek Partners Argentem Creek Partners is an emerging market specialist investment firm focused on special situations and Structured Capital Solutions. Argentem Creek was founded in 2015 by Daniel Chapman and his former team from Cargill, Inc subsidiary, Black River Asset Management. The firm has resources in Buenos Aires, London, Abu Dhabi and is headquarters in New York. For further information contact: media@
