The Kelso Difference

Kelso is a North American-focused middle market private equity firm. Kelso was founded on the principles of partnership and alignment of interest espoused by Louis Kelso, the inventor of the Employee Stock Ownership Plan (or ESOP). Louis believed that businesses perform better when a strong alignment of interest exists between management, employees and shareholders through shared equity ownership.

Kelso’s unique history has driven a culture and approach to investing that we believe make us an attractive partner to management teams, owners of businesses and corporations.

Kelso's Rich History

Kelso photo Photo by Baron Wolman

Strong influence of our ESOP roots

Alignment and partnership are at our core, and continue to drive our culture and approach.

40 years investing in private equity

We have invested $15 billion of equity capital since 1980.

130+ investments across a range of industries

We have developed deep sector expertise during our four decades of private equity investing.

Unique Alignment of Interest

Barry Tanner, CEO of Physicians Endoscopy | Hank Mannix | Church Moore

We are the largest investor in our funds

Kelso employees have committed to invest, on average, 15% of every dollar invested in our three most recent funds, representing one of the largest GP commitments in the private equity industry.

100% of the Kelso team invests

Each Kelso employee invests in our transactions, so we all have skin in the game.

We think like owners, not agents

Our significant personal investment provides us with an owner’s mindset and focus on building businesses for the long-term.

Barry Tanner, CEO of Physicians Endoscopy | Hank Mannix | Church Moore

Barry Tanner, CEO of Physicians Endoscopy | Hank Mannix | Church Moore

Culture of Partnership

Alec Hufnagel | Frank Loverro | Lynn Alexander | Sandy Osborne

20 year average active investment partner tenure at Kelso

One of the most experienced teams in private equity, with strong investment partner continuity.

Trusted approach built over four decades

We do the right thing. Our core values are respect for others, integrity and pursuit of excellence.

Partnership ethos

We believe that the stability of our firm, the continuity of our team and our strong core values distinguish Kelso and position us as a partner of choice in the private equity market.

Alec Hufnagel | Frank Loverro | Lynn Alexander | Sandy Osborne

Alec Hufnagel | Frank Loverro | Lynn Alexander | Sandy Osborne

Good things happen when you partner with good people.