Blackstone Group LP's global credit platform is adding offices in San Francisco and Toronto during the first half of the year as part of the expansion of its North American origination initiative.

The private equity giant said the new offices will give GSO Capital Partners LP regional presence to bolster existing ties and reach new customers in these two key markets.

GSO tapped Ferdinand Niederhofer to lead coverage out of its San Francisco office and Michael Carruthers to lead its efforts in Canada and the Midwest. Bill Hobbs, who will still be based out of GSO's New York office, will oversee its operations in the Southeast.

GSO already has offices in New York, London, Dublin, Houston, Frankfurt and Southern California.