Priced: Ares LXVI CLO $410M reset via Mizuho

Priced: Ares LXVI CLO $410M reset via Mizuho

Mizuho Financial Group has executed a strategic reset for Ares LXVI CLO, a significant move that underscores the bank's commitment to capitalizing on cross-border dealmaking and talent acquisition. The $410 million reset, facilitated by Mizuho, marks a pivotal moment in the bank's ambitious expansion strategy in Asia.

The reset of Ares LXVI CLO aligns with Mizuho's broader objective to become Asia's top investment bank by 2035. By leveraging its extensive network and expertise, Mizuho is positioning itself as a key player in the region's financial landscape. The reset also demonstrates Mizuho's ability to handle high-stakes transactions, a critical skill for an investment bank aiming to lead the market.

Mizuho's cross-border strategy has been a cornerstone of its success. The bank's investment in India's Avendus Capital and partnership with Abu Dhabi to channel capital into Japan's green energy sectors are notable examples. These moves create a dual-axis of growth, with India serving as a talent and tech hub and the UAE acting as a bridge to Middle Eastern capital.

The reset of Ares LXVI CLO is a testament to Mizuho's talent acquisition strategy. The bank's acquisition of Greenhill & Co. brought 370 employees into its fold, bolstering its M&A advisory capabilities. Additionally, Mizuho is doubling its workforce in India to leverage local expertise in fintech and green energy, while hiring professionals with ESG and renewable energy experience in the UAE. This "hire and train" approach ensures Mizuho's bankers are not just dealmakers but cross-border connectors, fluent in the nuances of Asian markets.

Mizuho's performance metrics are equally impressive. In the first half of 2025, the bank ranked third in Asia-Pacific M&A advisory, trailing only JPMorgan and UBS. Its revenue growth of 26% year-over-year in the December 2024 quarter is driven by strategic investments in fintech and wealth management.

The reset of Ares LXVI CLO is a significant milestone for Mizuho, showcasing its ability to execute complex, cross-border transactions. The bank's advisory role in the $4.7 billion Coastal Virginia Offshore Wind acquisition and the $14 billion Juniper Networks deal further highlights its capability in handling high-stakes deals.

Mizuho's CEO, Shuji Matsuura, has made it clear that the bank aims to be Asia's top investment bank by 2035. With its India-UAE axis, talent-driven growth, and ESG-aligned deals, Mizuho is building a moat that rivals can't easily breach. While UBS and JPMorgan may lead today, Mizuho's strategic leap into Asia's most dynamic markets could redefine the region's financial landscape.

For investors, this is more than just a story about deals—it's a bet on the future of global capital flows. Mizuho's strategic reset of Ares LXVI CLO is a clear indicator of its commitment to growth and innovation in the Asian financial market.

References:
[1] Mizuho Financial Group's Strategic Expansion in Asia [https://www.ainvest.com/news/mizuho-financial-group-strategic-expansion-asia-unlocking-cross-border-financial-synergies-india-uae-2508/]
[2] Mizuho Closes Acquisition of M&A... [http://www.mizuhogroup.com/news_release/20231201_2release_eng.html]
[3] J.P. Morgan, UBS top M&A financial advisers in Asia-Pacific [https://www.theasset.com/article/53253/jp-morgan-ubs-top-ma-financial-advisers-in-asia-pacific]
[4] Mizuho Financial Group's Strategic Expansion in Asia [https://www.ainvest.com/news/mizuho-financial-group-strategic-expansion-asia-unlocking-cross-border-financial-synergies-india-uae-2508/]
[5] Mizuho plans more dealmaking to become top Asia... [https://www.businesstimes.com.sg/companies-markets/banking-finance/mizuho-plans-more-dealmaking-become-top-asia-investment-bank]
[6] DBS Targets Hiring 40 Private Bankers for North Asia Market [https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2025-06-25/dbs-targets-hiring-40-private-bankers-for-north-asia-market]
[7] UBS taps internal talent, JP Morgan veterans for Hong Kong wealth roles [https://citywire.com/selector/news/ubs-taps-internal-talent-jp-morgan-veterans-for-hong-kong-wealth-roles/a2472095]
[8] Building a talent portfolio to implement growth strategy [https://www.mizuhogroup.com/sustainability/employees/portfolio]
[9] Mizuho plans more dealmaking to become top Asia... [https://www.businesstimes.com.sg/companies-markets/banking-finance/mizuho-plans-more-dealmaking-become-top-asia-investment-bank]
[10] J.P. Morgan Maintains a Buy on Mizuho Financial Group [https://www.ainvest.com/news/morgan-maintains-buy-mizuho-financial-group-mfg-strategic-deep-dive-institutional-confidence-market-positioning-2508/]
[11] UBS Market Perspectives & Outlook [https://www.ubs.com/global/en/investment-bank/insights-and-data/2025/ma-report-market-perspectives-outlook.html]
[12] Mizuho Aims to Become Asia's Top Investment Bank ... [https://www.ainvest.com/news/mizuho-aims-asia-top-investment-bank-dealmaking-talent-acquisition-2509/]
[13] Mizuho Financial Group's Strategic Expansion in Asia [https://www.ainvest.com/news/mizuho-financial-group-strategic-expansion-asia-unlocking-cross-border-financial-synergies-india-uae-2508/]