KKR, a global investment firm, announced the launch of Galaxy Container Solutions, a global marine container leasing and financing platform, in partnership with a team of industry veterans. Galaxy will be owned by KKR-managed credit funds and accounts, which are committing $500 million to the Company via KKR’s Asset-Based Finance (ABF) strategy.
Galaxy 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. Supported by KKR’s stable capital base and a management team with decades of experience, the Company is well positioned to meet customer needs for fleet growth and balance sheet optimization.
Galaxy is helmed by Chief Executive Officer Jeffrey Gannon and Chief Operating Officer Adrian Dunner, who have successfully launched and scaled multiple container leasing companies. Most recently, Gannon and Dunner co-founded and led Global Container International (“GCI”), the 7th largest lessor of marine containers globally at the time of its sale to Triton International. They will be joined by former GCI Chief Financial Officer Stephen Controulis, along with a seasoned team of specialists across container leasing management, operations, finance and sales functions.
“This is an ideal moment to launch Galaxy, as market dynamics like lessor consolidation and sustained demand are creating real opportunities for new entrants,” said Gannon. “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.”
“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,” said Daniel Pietrzak, Partner and Global Head of Private Credit at KKR. "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.”
KKR established its ABF strategy in 2016 and has since grown the platform significantly, with more than $75 billion in ABF assets under management and a team of approximately 50 ABF professionals globally. KKR’s ABF portfolio focuses on four key themes: Consumer/Mortgage Finance, Commercial Finance, Hard Assets, and Contractual Cash Flows. The firm has 19 captive ABF platforms across these four segments, enabling proprietary sourcing and structuring of investments. KKR’s broad, multi-sector approach offers flexibility to invest across a diverse range of industries, including aviation, real estate, mortgages, royalties and equipment leasing, among others.
KKR was advised on the transaction by Kirkland & Ellis LLP.