Gallant Capital Partners Expands Financing Support for Lumileds, with Chuck Swoboda Participating Alongside the Firm
Gallant Capital Partners, an operationally focused private investment firm headquartered in Los Angeles, has announced additional term loan commitments for Lumileds Holding B.V., a global leader in LED and microLED technology. The financing is intended to strengthen Lumileds’ liquidity position, support its ongoing operations, and provide resources for strategic investments in product innovation, manufacturing performance, and long-term growth. Chuck Swoboda, former Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Cree, Inc., is participating alongside Gallant in connection with the transaction.
The announcement highlights Gallant’s continued involvement in supporting Lumileds as the company advances its technology capabilities and strengthens its position across the automotive, display, illumination, and mobile markets. The additional commitments are being established under one of Lumileds’ existing senior secured term loan credit facilities and are designed to help the company maintain operational stability while pursuing its multi-year product and technology development plans.
Gallant Strengthens Its Position in Lumileds’ Financing
On August 18, 2026, funds managed by Gallant acquired a majority position in Lumileds’ senior secured term loan facilities through purchases of existing loans. The transaction involved the transfer of existing debt among secondary market participants and did not change Lumileds’ corporate governance structure. The company’s existing leadership team continues to oversee its operations, customer relationships, and ongoing business programs.
The additional term loan commitments represent a further step in Gallant’s strategy to support Lumileds’ financial flexibility and business transformation. The funding is intended to help the company maintain dependable supply, improve on-time delivery, invest in product development, and execute its long-term technology roadmaps.
According to Gallant, Lumileds possesses strong technological capabilities, established customer relationships, and specialized engineering expertise that distinguish it within the global lighting industry. These strengths are central to the investment firm’s confidence in the company’s long-term prospects.
“Lumileds is a technology leader with deep customer relationships and engineering capabilities that are difficult to replicate,” said Jon Gimbel, Partner at Gallant Capital Partners. He noted that the investment reflects confidence in the company’s business fundamentals and growth trajectory. The additional financing is intended to help Lumileds execute multi-year customer programs while investing in the product development plans required to meet evolving market demands.
Supporting Innovation and Operational Transformation
Lumileds has built its reputation on more than a century of lighting innovation, developing and manufacturing advanced light sources for applications where performance, reliability, and safety are critical. Its technologies serve a wide range of industries, including automotive manufacturing, display systems, mobile devices, and general illumination.
The company employs approximately 3,500 people across more than 15 countries. Its global customer base includes leading automotive original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), Tier 1 automotive suppliers, display and mobile device manufacturers, and illumination businesses.
As market requirements evolve, Lumileds continues to focus on higher-value advanced packaging and systems integration. These capabilities enable the company to develop differentiated solutions for customers seeking improved performance, reliability, and functionality in increasingly sophisticated lighting applications.
The additional financing is intended to support this transformation by providing resources for innovation, operational improvements, and the continued execution of customer commitments. Investments in manufacturing performance and supply continuity are particularly important as customers increasingly depend on reliable production schedules and consistent product quality.
Josh Carter, Managing Director at Gallant, emphasized the importance of supporting Lumileds’ existing management team as it advances these priorities.
“We intend to support Lumileds’ management team as it strengthens manufacturing performance and advanced packaging capabilities and maintains dependable supply for customers,” Carter said.
Gallant plans to draw on its operating expertise and industry relationships to help Lumileds pursue these objectives. The firm’s approach emphasizes close collaboration with portfolio company management teams, with a focus on strengthening business operations and building sustainable long-term value.
Chuck Swoboda Joins Gallant in Supporting Lumileds
Chuck Swoboda, former Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Cree, Inc., is participating alongside Gallant in connection with the transaction. His involvement brings substantial experience in the LED industry, including leadership and business expertise developed over three decades.
Swoboda’s participation reflects confidence in Lumileds’ technology, workforce, and future opportunities. His industry background is expected to complement Gallant’s operationally focused investment approach as the company continues to develop its advanced lighting technologies and strengthen its manufacturing capabilities.
“I have spent my entire career in this industry, and Lumileds has consistently been at the forefront of LED innovation,” Swoboda said. “I am participating alongside Gallant because I believe in the team, the technology, and the opportunity to build an even stronger global LED leader.”
His involvement also underscores the importance of industry knowledge and operational experience in supporting businesses operating in technology-intensive markets. As Lumileds continues its transformation, experienced industry leadership and strategic financial support may help the company respond to changing customer requirements and pursue new opportunities across its global markets.
Financial Advisory and Transaction Details
Greenhill, a Mizuho affiliate, served as Gallant’s exclusive financial advisor in connection with the transaction. The financial terms of the additional term loan commitments and related transaction were not disclosed.
Gallant’s involvement is intended to support Lumileds’ ongoing operations and strategic priorities while allowing its existing leadership team to continue managing the business. The financing is expected to provide additional flexibility as the company invests in innovation, advances its product roadmaps, and works to strengthen operational performance.
About Lumileds
Lumileds is a global leader in LED and microLED technology, innovation, and solutions for automotive, display, illumination, mobile, and other markets where light sources play an essential role. The company employs approximately 3,500 people in more than 15 countries and works with customers to develop advanced lighting solutions that support performance, safety, and well-being. More information is available at lumileds.com.
About Gallant Capital Partners
Gallant Capital Partners is a private equity firm that invests in technology, business services, and industrial companies. Founded in 2018 and headquartered in Los Angeles, the firm follows an operationally focused investment strategy, partnering closely with business owners, founders, and management teams to improve performance and drive sustainable growth.
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