Cathcart Rail Completes Acquisition of the Railcar Repair Business of The Andersons, Inc.; Adds Nuveen as Equity Stakeholder
Acquisition creates the largest coast-to-coast railcar services network in the industry
COLUMBUS, OHIO – July 8, 2022 – Cathcart Rail (Cathcart) has completed its previously announced acquisition of the railcar repair business of The Andersons, Inc. (Nasdaq: ANDE). Additionally, Cathcart is pleased to welcome Nuveen, a leading global investment manager with over $1.2 trillion of assets under management, as an equity stakeholder alongside Star America Infrastructure Partners, LLC (Star America).
“The Andersons railcar repair network aligns perfectly with Cathcart’s strategic goal of offering a broad array of rail services across a national footprint, and we are excited to welcome The Andersons employees to the Cathcart family” said Casey Cathcart, Chairman & Chief Executive Officer of Cathcart Rail. “With the addition of The Andersons railcar repair network, Cathcart’s nearly 1,000 employees across 110+ locations make us the leading railcar services company in the country.”
“Cathcart’s acquisition of The Andersons’ railcar repair business is another major step in its development” said Christophe Petit, President of Star America. “Cathcart and Star America are excited to have Nuveen join us as an equity stakeholder, and we are looking forward to working alongside Nuveen to continue building a premier rail services company.”
“Nuveen’s Infrastructure team is excited to partner with Cathcart and Star America as we continue to grow and diversify our transportation portfolio,” said Andrew Diehl, Sector Head of Private Infrastructure at Nuveen. “The Private Infrastructure team at Nuveen builds on more than 20 years of energy and infrastructure investing to select and structured direct equity infrastructure investments such as I-595, which was named P3 Awards 2020 North American Best Operation Transport Project. Nuveen’s infrastructure portfolio is over $3 billion with investments in power, transportation, digital and social sectors. The diversified portfolio has included equity, high-yield debt, and convertible debt.”
“It is a privilege to work closely with Cathcart’s management team and equity partners to build the leading railcar services company in the country with a rapidly growing national footprint offering a broad array of freight rail services,” said Milbank LLP Global Project, Energy & Infrastructure Finance partner Allan Marks, who acted as counsel to Cathcart Rail. Marks added, “We are excited to represent Cathcart Rail on its acquisition of The Andersons’ railcar repair business, its new corporate debt facilities, the equity investment by Nuveen, and other transactions.”
“Our railcar repair employees are among the most skilled and experienced in the industry, and they have been critical to our success,” commented Joe McNeely, President, The Andersons Nutrient and Industrial business. “We thank them for their contributions and commitment to The Andersons and our customers throughout the sale process. We are excited for them and the growth opportunities that Cathcart Rail will provide them.”
The transaction was supported by a senior loan syndicate led by Bank of America, N.A. and BofA Securities, Inc., with Wells Fargo Securities, LLC serving as financial advisor to Cathcart. Milbank LLP served as legal counsel to Cathcart, Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP as counsel to Nuveen, and Kelley Drye & Warren LLP as counsel to The Andersons. Railroad Financial Corporation served as transaction advisor to The Andersons, while other advisors of Cathcart included Ernst & Young and Taft Stettinius & Hollister LLP.
About Cathcart Rail
Cathcart Rail is a leading freight rail services and transportation company. The company currently operates the largest railcar services network, encompassing 18 repair facilities and over 75 field services locations, as well as a rail services division that operates three shortline railroads and a dozen contract switching and transloading sites, among other services such as railcar storage, track maintenance, and railcar parts. Cathcart Rail was founded in February 2016 by the father and son team of Thomas Cathcart and Casey Cathcart with 20 employees, and now employs nearly 1,000 people across 110+ locations in 33 states. For more information about Cathcart, visit www.cathcart-rail.com.
About Star America Infrastructure Partners
Star America, a subsidiary of Tikehau Capital, a European listed asset management and investment group with €35.5 billion of assets under management (as of March 31, 2022) and shareholder equity of €3.0 billion (as of December 31, 2021), is an independent U.S. headquartered developer and manager of infrastructure assets in North America. With an investor base that includes large institutional investors such as insurance companies and pension funds, among others, Star America focuses on delivering infrastructure projects primarily across the transportation, social, environmental and telecommunications sectors. As of March 31, 2022, Star America has over $850 million of assets under management and its track record includes investments in 16 infrastructure assets, which have a total project cost valued at greater than $5 billion. Star America’s mission is to become the preferred partner in rebuilding America’s infrastructure.
About Nuveen
Nuveen, the investment manager of TIAA, offers a comprehensive range of outcome-focused investment solutions designed to secure the long-term financial goals of institutional and individual investors. Nuveen has $1.2 trillion in assets under management as of 31 Mar 2022 and operations in 27 countries. Its investment specialists offer deep expertise across a comprehensive range of traditional and alternative investments through a wide array of vehicles and customized strategies. For more information, please visit www.nuveen.com.
About The Andersons, Inc.
Founded in 1947 in Maumee, Ohio, The Andersons, Inc. is a diversified company rooted in agriculture that conducts business in the commodity merchandising, renewables, and plant nutrient sectors. Guided by its Statement of Principles, The Andersons is committed to providing extraordinary service to its customers, helping its employees improve, supporting its communities, and increasing the value of the company. For more information, please visit www.andersonsinc.com.
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Contact Information:
Cathcart Rail
Casey Cathcart
Chairman & Chief Executive Officer
+1 (314) 605-8988
casey@tcrailholdings.com
www.cathcart-rail.com