Investment firm KKR is committing $500m (€429m) to a new global marine container leasing and financing platform.
KKR has launched Galaxy Container Solutions, which will be owned by its managed credit funds and accounts, with the capital being committed via KKR’s asset-based finance strategy.
Galaxy Container Solutions is led by chief executive officer Jeffrey Gannon and chief operating officer Adrian Dunner. Gannon and Dunner previously co-founded and led Global Container International, a global lessor of marine containers, which was sold to Triton International.
They will be joined by former Global Container chief financial officer Stephen Controulis, along with a team of specialists across container leasing management, operations, finance and sales functions.
KKR said Galaxy Container Solutions will provide a full suite of container leasing and financing solutions to shipping companies around the world, enabling flexible, capital-efficient access to the container fleets that keep global trade moving.
Daniel Pietrzak, partner and global head of private credit at KKR, said: “Galaxy represents an exciting expansion of our asset-based finance strategy into the container leasing sector, which offers attractive downside-protected investment opportunities backed by essential global trade infrastructure.
“The company is in great hands with the Galaxy team, and we’re confident they will deliver dynamic solutions that meet the evolving needs of the world’s leading shipping lines.”
Gannon said: “This is an ideal moment to launch Galaxy, as market dynamics like lessor consolidation and sustained demand are creating real opportunities for new entrants. With KKR’s support, we are excited to harness our proven approach to offer our customers reliable, flexible solutions for their fleet and capital needs.”
To read the latest IPE Real Assets magazine click here.
