ADAM.L Regulatory News (ADAM)

ADAMAS FINANCE ASIA LIMITED

Adamas Asset Management "just pipped" by global giant KKR as Asia Lender of the Year

17 March 2014: Hong Kong-based Adamas Asset Management, the investment manager of AIM-quoted Adamas Finance Asia Limited ("AFA"), has beaten major international competition to secure a top ranking in the prestigious Private Debt Investor Annual Awards 2013.

According to Private Debt Investor, Adamas was "just pipped" into second place by the global giant KKR Asset Management "in one of the most closely fought categories" to become a "highly commended" runner up for Asia Lender of the Year. More than 1,400 votes were cast for the Private Debt Investor Annual Awards 2013.

Adamas Asset Management ("Adamas"), which was established only four years ago, currently has around US$600 million under management. With effect from 19 February 2014 Adamas became investment manager to AFA following a reverse takeover in which AFA purchased a portfolio of four assets from a fund managed by Adamas.

Under a Services Agreement, the Adamas team is now supplying AFA with investment management services and access to deal flow, managed with a rigorous pre and post financing methodology. The investment programme will target Asian SME's needing capital, with a focus on Greater China.

Transactions introduced to AFA by Adamas will involve senior debt, bridge loans, mezzanine finance and other types of structured private financing. They will have a targeted internal rate of return of 15% - 20% per annum, with an average maturity of transactions ranging from 24 to 36 months.

Barry Lau, Managing Partner & CIO of Adamas, said: "The funding gap for SMEs in China is immense, currently estimated to be between US$1 trillion and US$5 trillion. Many of these SMEs lack necessary expansion capital from traditional banking channels. Adamas has successfully been providing growth capital to such growing SMEs by structuring collateralised direct loans, where possible with collateral held offshore. We believe the risk-adjusted returns offered by our strategy is a sound proposition for investors wishing to participate in the Chinese growth market without taking equity volatility risks."

Mr Lau added: "We are delighted to have won such strong recognition for our investment capabilities with the supporting votes of our partners and investors for the Asia Lender of the Year Category. It demonstrates that many sophisticated investors support our strategy."

"Adamas, in Chinese, is 'An De Si' and its meaning reflects our deep rooted philosophy that has been ingrained into the firm's DNA; 'An - De - Si' means 'Safety - Integrity - Thoughtfulness'."

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