Global investment firm KKR has acquired Dawsongroup with plans to “significantly” accelerate the decarbonisation of the vehicle leasing firm’s fleet, as part of its wider net-zero ambitions.
KKR will retain the existing management team and also launch an employee ownership programme, which the investment firm said will provide Dawsongroup staff with the opportunity to directly participate in the Group’s future success.
Dawsongroup, which has its headquarters in Milton Keynes, employs over 1,150 employees across 11 countries.
Launched in 1935, the family-led firm specialises in asset leasing, including vehicles and refrigerated boxes, and offers customisation of assets to customer specification as well as maintenance and repairs.
Last year the company posted a record performance with Group EBITDA of around £250m, which KKR said gives it a strong platform to expand the business.
Announcing the deal, KKR, which has its headquarters in New York, said: “Joining forces with KKR will enable Dawsongroup to deliver on the next stage of its development, benefiting both customers and employees.
“As a business which effectively utilises EV, solar, Stage 5 generators, and battery storage as part of its unique energy focused service capabilities, Dawsongroup and KKR’s strategic partnership will significantly accelerate the decarbonisation of vehicle and asset leasing solutions.
“KKR will also work with Dawsongroup to implement an employee ownership programme, providing Dawsongroup employees with the opportunity to directly participate in the Group’s future success.”
Stephen Miller, Dawsongroup chief executive, said: “KKR’s support will accelerate the launch of our sustainable growth strategy by continuing to deliver market-leading services for our customers in the UK, maintaining our EBITDA margin profile and providing a real opportunity to expand our unique offering internationally.
“We are delighted to have the backing of KKR as we enter the next phase of our development and effectively contribute to our customers’ transition to zero emissions.”
Vincent Policard, KKR partner and co-head of European infrastructure, added: “As one of the largest independent lessors of vehicles and temperature controlled solutions in the UK, Dawsongroup is a key player in the decarbonisation of mobility.
“We see a significant opportunity to accelerate the electrification of Dawsongroup’s fleet, in support of the Dawsongroup management team’s focus on sustainable solutions, and aligned with KKR’s commitment to advancing the transition to a low-carbon future.
“By deploying our global expertise and network, we will help Dawsongroup drive sustainable growth, expand into new geographies, and contribute to the broader shift toward cleaner, more resilient infrastructure.”
Freya Dawson added: “On behalf of the Dawson family, I am extremely proud of Dawsongroup’s achievements to date and we are highly supportive of this strategic partnership with KKR.
“With the Dawson family’s backing and long-standing support from employees, the group has evolved into the innovative asset leasing platform it is today.
“Combining Dawsongroup’s highly experienced management team with the knowledge and experience of the KKR team, we believe the impressive trajectory achieved to date can accelerate even further and we look forward to its future success.”
With over 15 years of experience in infrastructure investing, KKR specialises in renewable energy and climate-related investments and has invested more than $21bn in this sector from its infrastructure platform alone.
To date, KKR has made three investments from its Global Climate strategy, including in Zenobē, a UK-based transport electrification and battery storage solutions specialist.
KKR said it has been investing in the UK for over two decades, having deployed over $24bn in equity across all investment platforms, including over $5bn in sustainability-related investments over the past three years in investments such as Smart Metering Systems, Citation, ERM, John Laing and Viridor.