Saluda Grade Acquires Hillcrest Finance to Expand Real Estate Investment Platform
Saluda Grade has acquired Hillcrest Finance to strengthen its real estate investment platform, increasing its AUM to $2.5 billion and expanding into the commercial real estate credit market.
New York, NY – In a strategic move to expand its real estate investment capabilities, Saluda Grade has officially acquired Hillcrest Finance, a respected commercial real estate credit platform led by women and minority founders.
Hillcrest Finance, established in 2013, brings deep experience in commercial real estate (CRE) lending and credit solutions. The firm has developed a strong track record of providing first mortgage and subordinate financing to middle-market borrowers. With this acquisition, Saluda Grade’s assets under management (AUM) now total $2.5 billion.
🚀 What This Means for the Real Estate Market
The merger marks a strategic expansion for Saluda Grade into the CRE space, complementing its existing residential and asset-backed investment operations. The move enables the firm to provide a broader range of investment solutions across both commercial and residential real estate.
Saluda Grade, founded in 2019, has grown quickly by targeting emerging sectors within real estate and finance. The addition of Hillcrest not only boosts its product offerings, but also enhances its executive team with the experience of Kathy Corton and Sharon Ann Miller, Hillcrest’s Co-CEOs, each with more than three decades of institutional CRE experience.
🤝 About Hillcrest Finance
Hillcrest Finance is a New York-based investment manager specializing in commercial real estate credit. The firm has been known for delivering customized capital solutions and strong risk-adjusted returns to institutional investors. Their acquisition reflects growing investor demand for diversified strategies in today’s market environment.
💡 Strategic Vision
“We’re excited to join forces with Hillcrest,” said a Saluda Grade spokesperson. “This acquisition positions us to capitalize on broader market trends while offering our investors even more depth and flexibility.”
The deal also signals continued consolidation and growth in the real estate finance world, particularly among firms seeking to balance innovation, inclusivity, and strong fundamentals.
🔍 What’s Next?
Both companies plan to integrate operations over the coming months while maintaining Hillcrest’s focus on commercial mortgage credit. The unified platform will aim to deliver even greater value to investors and borrowers across sectors.
For more updates, visit Saluda Grade’s official website or Hillcrest Finance’s site.
