Hitachi Transport System Selects KKR as Partner

A freight procurement company, Hitachi Transport System, Ltd. announced that it has selected KKR as its partner of choice to pursue its LOGISTEED strategy in response to Hitachi's intention to sell its approximately 40% stake in Hitachi Transport System. KKR is one of the world's leading investment firms with a multi-asset class portfolio including private equity, energy, infrastructure, real estate, credit, and hedge funds. KKR will hold 90% of the voting rights of the tender offer parent company and Hitachi, Ltd. will hold 10%. The most important reason for selecting Hitachi Transport System as a partner was that "Hitachi Transport System has the highest evaluation of Hitachi Transport System (current + future). Most importantly, the non-LBO structure, which is primarily an equity investment, allows the company to maintain financial flexibility. As a result, the company can maintain and expand its strategy. In addition, the company shares the understanding of inviting an operating company as a co-investment partner. Chairman Nakatani cites the fact that "the company has an exit strategy with a view to a future IPO.