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Perella Weinberg Partners Affiliate and Aviation Industry Professionals Form ...

NEW YORK--( BUSINESS WIRE )--Perella Weinberg Partners today announced that certain funds within Perella Weinberg Partners’ Asset Based Value strategy have formed Infinity Aviation Capital LLC, a joint venture with aviation industry veterans Richard Baudouin, Co-Founder of Aviation Capital Group, and Khawer Ali and Jerrold Rosen, Principals of KJ Aviation Services Inc.

The joint venture will invest in aviation assets, including jet and turboprop aircraft, engines, and other related assets as well as mezzanine loans. Executives Richard Baudouin, Khawer Ali, and Jerrold Rosen will manage and oversee operations for the business.

Infinity Aviation Capital also announced today that it has recently completed its first acquisition of three pre-owned Boeing 737 Next Generation narrowbody aircrafts currently leased to a major international airline.

David Schiff, Partner at Perella Weinberg Partners and Portfolio Manager of the Asset Based Value strategy, stated, “We are pleased to be working with these well respected aviation industry veterans in our new joint venture, Infinity Aviation Capital. Recent disruptions in the airline and aircraft leasing industries have resulted in significant opportunities to provide needed liquidity and financing solutions to airlines, leasing companies, and other owners of aircraft and equipment. We look forward to working together to grow a servicing platform that will help meet the increased demands of this large market.”

Mr. Rosen said, “Infinity Aviation Capital will target markets that are currently in need of liquidity and where we have longstanding relationships. We plan to implement a prudent growth strategy based upon opportunity driven acquisitions and mezzanine lending to penetrate these underserviced sectors. The Asset Based Value strategy is comprised of strong, experienced investment professionals, and Rich, Khawer and I look forward to partnering with them in this joint venture.”

Perella Weinberg Partners’ Asset Based Value strategy is a leading post-financial crisis provider of U.S. specialty finance solutions. Since inception in 2008, the strategy has grown to manage in excess of $1 billion in equity capital through a number of different investment vehicles. It can deliver significant capital, technical expertise and infrastructure in a wide range of asset classes and structures, including both real and financial assets. The strategy strives to diligence and execute transactions discretely and efficiently. Capital for the strategy is contributed by, among others, a diversified group of institutional investors who seek to invest in compelling opportunities at favorable valuations.

Hire a Hero, Hire a Vet: Industry Spotlight: Transportation

Titled “Why transportation companies want vets” explores the demanding transportation industry and how it is well-suited for transitioning veterans, including Orion International alumna Kelly King. Stone turned to Tim Isacco, Vice President of Sales at Orion, to discuss this industry in relation to veterans. Isacco explained, “Transportation is one of the five hottest industries recruiting veterans right now.” One reason veterans fit so nicely into this industry is that transportation companies need technicians and logistical experts, which are readily found in the military community. The railroad industry is one in particular where veterans flourish, in particular because of the demanding 24/7 environment. “Veterans who liked the rush of military operations tend to thrive in these jobs,” said Dave Ebbrecht, Executive Vice President of Operations at the Kansas City Southern Railway Company. And the former ranks of the veterans in this industry run the gamut. Enlisted technicians are sought after for their technical and craft skills, while Senior NCOs and Junior Military Officers are often placed in entry-level leadership positions. Stone lists six qualities that make veterans a great fit for this industry. Discipline and work ethic rank number one. “The rail industry is a tough industry,” Isacco told Stone, “You might have to be out in the railyard when it’s snowing at night, or when it’s raining at night, because the rail runs 24/7, just like the military.” Attention to detail is next, followed by communication, and organization. Flexibility is another required quality. This quality is one in which Kelly King, a former Army Captain and recent Orion placement with Kansas City Southern Railway Company, revels. King, Director of International Rail Operations Support, deals with customer service and U.S. Customs and Border Protection issues. “On any given day, I can’t tell what I’m going to be doing. It’s a great thing. I enjoy that,” says King. Leadership experience is also required in this industry. In fact, Stone points out that transportation companies that recruit veterans understand the scope and relevance of their military leadership experience. King also enjoys the tight-knit quality of this industry.

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