Kelso & Company

Profile

Kelso & Company is a North American-focused middle market private equity firm based in the United States. Founded on the principles espoused by Louis Kelso, the firm emphasizes partnership and alignment of interest with a rich history rooted in Employee Stock Ownership Plans (ESOP). The firm's leadership includes Chris Collins and Frank Loverro as Co-Chief Executive Officers. Kelso prides itself on its strong commitment to long-term partnerships and investment alignment, with 100% of the Kelso team investing in the firm's transactions, reflecting their owner’s mindset and dedication to building businesses for the long-term.

Kelso invests primarily in the private equity space, with sector expertise developed over four decades across multiple industries. They focus on mid-market buyouts, concentrating on North American investments. The firm has invested over $15 billion of equity capital since its inception in 1980 and maintains a significant General Partner commitment in its funds, which is among the largest in the private equity industry. Their investment strategy is characterized by deep sector expertise in industries such as financial services, business services, and healthcare, among others.

Some of Kelso's notable investments include J.S. Held, Premia Re, ReSource Pro, Savant, Somers Re, and WilliamsMarston. They have also been involved in previous investments in Eagle Bulk Shipping, Overwatch Systems, Sandler O’Neill + Partners, and several others. Kelso's long-standing partnerships and thorough market understanding have built them a reputation as a partner of choice in the private equity landscape.