The world’s most famous energy trader has become an investor and a consultant in a new commodities hedge fund managed by Peak Ridge Capital, according to a wire story. Brian Hunter, whose natural gas portfolio blazed and burnt Amaranth Advisors to the ground, had hoped to start his own hedge fund—with the unfortunate name “Solengo”—but has been plagued by legal troubles stemming from Amaranth’s collapse.
Last month Hunter had complained to a federal court an investigation into his alleged market manipulation was driving away Solengo’s directors, traders and potential investors. It looks like he wasn’t pulling the court’s leg. Taking a consulting job with another fund is at the very least a leading indicator that this whole Solengo thing doesn’t seem to be working out.
Peak Ridge Capital is new to the energy trading game. It’s main focus in the past has been in venture capital and real estate. The Peak Ridge Commodity Volatility Fund will focus on natural gas trading, the area where Hunter made and broke his name. According to a press release on Peak Ridge’s website, the fund will be capped at $1 billion. Coincidentally, that is exactly how much Brian Hunter reportedly made for Amaranth after successfully trading 2005’s hurricane season.
Hunter is reportedly kicking $10 million of his own money into the Peak Ridge fund. He could not be reached for comment. Peak Ridge did not immediately return DealBreaker’s phone calls and emails.
Ex-Amaranth Hunter gets job at buyout firm [Financial News]
Peak Ridge Press Release [Peak Ridge website]
Posted by ??, Sep 12, 2007 1:17PM
$10 Million of his own cash, is that really his own cash, or is it subject to liens related to the suits against Hunter/Amaranth?