Gray Reed is pleased to announce its role as legal counsel for Crebrid, a newly-launched real estate lending platform, in connection with a $500 million residential transition lending (RTL) transaction with Barings, one of the world’s leading investment managers. The transaction is part of a broader strategic partnership designed to accelerate Crebrid’s national expansion in the RTL market.

Crebrid is leveraging the proven lending infrastructure, technology and operational expertise developed by longtime Gray Reed client Wildcat Lending, which has originated nearly $2 billion in RTLs since 2014. The new platform builds on that legacy to deliver a next-generation, tech-enabled lending experience to real estate investors across the country.

Gray Reed advised on the structuring, negotiation and documentation of the transaction, which will support Crebrid’s efforts to scale its platform and deploy capital in high-growth markets nationwide.

“This transaction represents a significant step forward for Crebrid as it enters the market with institutional support and a powerful foundation built on Wildcat’s successful lending model,” Michael Gillman, Gray Reed Real Estate Practice Group Leader and lead attorney on the deal, said. “Wildcat has been a valued client of our firm for many years, and we’re proud to have supported its evolution into Crebrid. Our longstanding relationship and deep understanding of Wildcat’s business made us well-positioned to help facilitate this transformative initiative.”

The transaction with Barings will enable Crebrid to significantly grow its RTL lending volume with a goal of reaching $3–5 billion in annual originations by 2030.

Other Gray Reed attorneys advising Crebrid included Bankruptcy and Corporate Restructuring Partner Lydia Webb, as well as Real Estate Associates Maria Fuentes and Carolina Cuppetilli.

About Barings

Barings is a $442+ billion* global asset management firm that partners with institutional, insurance, and intermediary clients, and supports leading businesses with flexible financing solutions. The firm, a subsidiary of MassMutual, seeks to deliver excess returns by leveraging its global scale and capabilities across public and private markets in fixed income, real assets and capital solutions. Learn more at www.barings.com. 

*Assets under management as of March 31, 2025

About Crebrid

Crebrid is a fintech-driven lending platform specializing in residential transition loans (RTLs), and will utilize the platform developed by Wildcat Lending, the predecessor company launched in 2014, and has since originated nearly $2 billion in loans. With proprietary technology and strong institutional backing, Crebrid is revolutionizing real estate lending by providing efficient, optimized, and high-touch customer-first financing solutions. Learn more at www.crebrid.com.

About Gray Reed

As a full-service Texas law firm with a comprehensive range of litigation and transactional practice groups, Gray Reed's 150 attorneys focus on understanding our clients' businesses and industries. We are equipped to support companies and high-net-worth individuals with sophisticated legal needs. Through our subsidiary, Gray Reed Advisory Services, we extend our support with expert consultants who provide strategic business solutions tailored to each client's objectives. Discover what sets us apart at www.grayreed.com and www.grayreedadvisory.com.