High-Grade Private Debt Thrives as More Big Deals Come to Market

Ferrero Group SpA, football club FC Barcelona and a Middle Eastern port have all used the US private placement market in recent weeks — a sign that this opaque way of raising money is becoming increasingly popular.

The range of different companies and size of the debt sales, topping at least $500 million, are evidence that name-brand borrowers and investors are becoming more comfortable with navigating private markets. While data in the closed-door industry is hard to come by, the consensus among experts is that it’s steadily growing.

Private placements, also known as high-grade private debt, allow companies to directly ...