ASX-listed non-bank lender Australian Finance Group is to take a strategic stake of 30.4 per cent in Think Tank Group Pty Ltd. Think Tank operates primarily as a small ticket (sub A$3 million) commercial property lender and was established in 2005. The lender has a national footprint, and a loan book in excess of $750 million.The deal will be settled via a one-off payment by AFG of A$10.9 million cash, the firm announced yesterday, ahead of the deal being finalised. In connection with the investment, AFG will distribute a white label commercial property product through its network of brokers.David Bailey, AFG chief executive officer explained: "Our strategic investment in Think Tank represents the next evolutionary step for AFG to diversify its earnings base. "The ongoing success of AFG Home Loans and the introduction of AFG Business are important contributors to the future growth of AFG. "It makes sense to participate further in an asset class that we are comfortable with - both directly through the white label opportunity and indirectly through our shareholding to generate further earnings for AFG," Bailey said afterwards."The opportunity to blend Think Tank's commercial property lending expertise with our own distribution and securitisation capability will benefit both businesses."The deal was expected to close by late yesterday (19 April).