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 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 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. CULTURE OF PARTNERSHIP 19 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. Good things happen when you partner with good people. SITE MAP LEGAL CONTACT US LP LOG-IN THIS WEB SITE DOES NOT CONSTITUTE AN OFFER OF SECURITIES OR INVESTMENT ADVISORY SERVICES TO ANY PERSON. COPYRIGHT © 2020 BY KELSO & COMPANY.