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BlackArch Advises The Apollo Group on its Partnership with Oaktree Capital Management

BlackArch is pleased to announce that The Apollo Group has been recapitalized in partnership with Oaktree Capital Management to facilitate the next chapter of the Company’s growth.

HAS BEEN RECAPITALIZED BY

CHARLOTTE, NC (January 23, 2025) – BlackArch Partners (“BlackArch”) is pleased to announce that The Apollo Group (“Apollo” or the “Company”) has received a strategic investment from Oaktree Capital Management (“Oaktree”).

The Apollo Group is a leading provider of full-service hospitality management services to the cruise industry. Over its 55+ year history, Apollo has established itself as the supplier-of-choice for turnkey hospitality services including crew management, food services, food and beverage distribution, end-to-end procurement and logistics and other related services. The Company serves a global, blue-chip customer base of leading cruise lines and other maritime vessels. Apollo’s global operations and international distribution network enable the Company to deliver mission-critical food and beverage supplies to large vessels in ports around the world. The Company’s comprehensive hospitality services offer tailored, end-to-end staffing, procurement and logistics, and culinary services for large fleets of ocean-going cruise lines. Apollo has achieved long-lasting success by upholding the same “customer first” business principles since the Company’s founding in 1969. The Company’s exceptional growth and performance track record is a testament to Apollo’s dedication to quality service, technological innovation and operational excellence.

BlackArch was retained by Apollo to serve as the shareholders’ exclusive financial advisor.  The transaction builds upon BlackArch’s significant momentum in advising market-leading business services platforms. It also reinforces BlackArch’s reputation as a trusted advisor to family-owned businesses that deserve superior outcomes and tailored solutions for management and shareholders.

Jose Ramon Barrera, Chief Executive Officer of Apollo, stated, “My family will always be grateful for BlackArch’s hard work. I couldn’t ask for a better team. BlackArch put in the hard work to understand our business and our transaction objectives to deliver a fantastic outcome.”

About The Apollo Group

Headquartered in Miami, FL, The Apollo Group is an award-winning, full-service hospitality management company. Apollo has earned the trust of leading cruise lines around the world that value Apollo’s comprehensive solutions and commitment to excellence that began with its founding in 1969 by Rafael A. Ordoñez. For more information, visit www.theapollogroup.com.

About Oaktree

Oaktree is a leader among global investment managers specializing in alternative investments, with $205 billion in assets under management as of September 30, 2024. The firm emphasizes an opportunistic, value-oriented, and risk-controlled approach to investments in credit, equity, and real estate. The firm has more than 1,200 employees and offices in 23 cities worldwide. For additional information, please visit Oaktree’s website at http://www.oaktreecapital.com/.

About BlackArch Partners

BlackArch is a leading middle-market investment bank offering a full spectrum of advisory services to financial sponsors, private companies and diversified corporations.  BlackArch addresses the needs of companies with specialized services that include M&A advisory, strategic advisory and private capital solutions.  Headquartered in Charlotte, NC, BlackArch features 10 industry-focused groups that cover all sectors of interest to middle-market investors; BlackArch professionals have closed more than 500 transactions in 16 countries on four continents.  Please visit our website, www.blackarchpartners.com, for more details.

Securities offered through BlackArch Securities LLC. Member FINRA and SIPC.  Testimonials may not be representative of the experience of all clients.  Testimonials are not a guarantee of future performance or success.