Apollo and its subsidiary Athene announced they have entered into a strategic relationship with BNP Paribas, a premier global bank, to provide a new solutions platform for working capital and supply chain needs with the establishment of Eliant Inventory Solutions LP. The new company will provide domestic and multinational companies with strategic and responsive inventory capital solutions to better optimize their supply chains and balance sheets, and buffer inventories. Eliant is structured to own inventory at an efficient cost of capital, with a technology platform that aims to seamlessly manage high-volume and complex customer needs. According to a press release from Apollo, Eliant is launching with $1.3 billion in signed or awarded inventory programs with blue-chip customers. BNP Paribas will provide debt and receivables financing as well as structuring advisory and referral services to Eliant. Athene, the retirement services business of Apollo Global Management, will serve as the primary capital provider to Eliant, while Apollo will act as the investment manager, supporting an in-house team at Eliant. Apollo and Athene earlier this month announced the successful completion of their merger under Apollo Global Management Inc.