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Stonepeak

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Overview

Stonepeak, formerly known as Stonepeak Infrastructure Partners, is a leading American alternative investment firm specializing in infrastructure and real assets. Founded in 2011 by Michael Dorrell and Trent Vichie, the firm has grown to become a significant player in the global investment landscape. Investment Focus: Stonepeak primarily targets infrastructure investments across various sectors:

  • Commercial Transportation
  • Communications and Networking
  • Energy Services
  • Utilities
  • Water Utilities
  • Renewable Energy and Power In 2022, the firm expanded into real estate investments with the launch of Stonepeak Real Estate Partners. Global Presence: Headquartered in New York City, Stonepeak has established offices in Hong Kong, Houston, London, Sydney, and Singapore, reflecting its global investment strategy. Notable Investments:
  • Cologix (March 2017)
  • Astound Broadband ($3.6 billion, November 2020)
  • Teekay LNG ($6.2 billion, October 2021)
  • The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas ($5.65 billion, May 2022)
  • Port of Geelong ($732 million, November 2022) Financial Position: Stonepeak has raised substantial capital through its funds, including the $14 billion Stonepeak Infrastructure Fund IV closed in February 2022. In July 2023, Blue Owl Capital made a $2 billion minority investment in Stonepeak, valuing the firm at approximately $15 billion. Investment Approach: The firm adopts a thesis-driven approach, focusing on strategically advantaged businesses supported by uncorrelated macroeconomic demand drivers. Stonepeak seeks investments offering robust downside protection and benefiting from favorable trends such as the global energy transition and supply chain efficiency. Team: Led by Michael Dorrell, Co-Founder & CEO and Chairman, Stonepeak employs a global team of 198 professionals, including an investment team of 98 members. Sustainability: Stonepeak emphasizes sustainable growth and positive impact in its investments, as evidenced by its strategic partnership with AGP Sustainable Real Assets to accelerate the growth of sustainable infrastructure and renewable energy projects.

Leadership Team

Stonepeak's leadership team comprises experienced executives who guide the firm's strategic direction and oversee its global operations: Executive Committee:

  • Michael Dorrell: Chairman, CEO, and Co-Founder Leads the firm with a focus on investing, strategy, and partner relationships Co-Presidents:
  • Jack Howell and Luke Taylor Promoted from Co-Chief Operating Officers, effective January 2, 2024 Oversee the firm's day-to-day activities globally Instrumental in the firm's growth since inception Senior Managing Directors:
  • Hajir Naghdy Specific responsibilities not detailed in provided sources
  • Michael Leitner Joined in May 2023 to lead expansion of credit investing capabilities Over 21 years of experience in the credit space Previously worked at BlackRock and Tennenbaum Capital Partners General Counsel:
  • Adrienne (Last name not provided) Senior Managing Director, General Counsel, and Chief Compliance Officer Background in corporate law Previously worked at Simpson Thacher & Bartlett and Babcock & Brown LP The leadership team at Stonepeak collaborates to identify investment opportunities, manage portfolio performance, and ensure alignment with the firm's long-term vision. Their diverse expertise and experience play a crucial role in Stonepeak's success as a leading alternative investment firm specializing in infrastructure and real assets.

History

Stonepeak, formerly known as Stonepeak Infrastructure Partners, has a rich history in infrastructure and real asset investments: Founding and Early Years:

  • Founded in 2011 by Michael Dorrell and Trent Vichie
  • Spun off from Blackstone Inc.'s infrastructure investment unit
  • Dorrell and Vichie previously worked at Macquarie Group and Blackstone Initial Funding:
  • Debut fund: Stonepeak Infrastructure Fund I
  • Raised $1.65 billion from investors including Washington State, Oregon State, Virginia Retirement System, and TIAA Key Milestones and Acquisitions:
  • March 2017: Acquired Cologix, a data center company
  • November 2020: Acquired Astound Broadband for $3.6 billion in cash and $4.5 billion in debt
  • October 2021: Acquired Teekay LNG in a $6.2 billion deal
  • May 2022: Acquired the Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas for $5.65 billion (with partners)
  • November 2022: Acquired the Port of Geelong for $732 million (with Spirit Super) Expansion into Real Estate:
  • November 2021: Began discussions on real estate investments
  • July 2022: Launched Stonepeak Real Estate Partners fund Recent Developments:
  • March 2021: Co-founder Trent Vichie left to found EverWind Fuels
  • July 2023: Blue Owl Capital made a $2 billion minority investment, valuing Stonepeak at $15 billion
  • 2024: Approximately $70 billion of assets under management Leadership Evolution:
  • Michael Dorrell continues as Chairman, CEO, and Co-Founder
  • Jack Howell and Luke Taylor appointed as Co-Presidents in 2024
  • Senior managing directors include Hajir Naghdy and Daniel Wong Stonepeak's history reflects its growth from a spin-off to a global investment powerhouse, with a focus on infrastructure, real assets, and more recently, real estate. The firm's strategic acquisitions and expansion into new sectors have solidified its position as a leading alternative investment firm.

Products & Solutions

Stonepeak, an alternative investment firm, does not produce physical products. Instead, they invest in and manage various sectors, including:

  • Digital infrastructure
  • Energy and energy transition
  • Transport and logistics
  • Real estate Their investments include companies such as Fleet Companies (a trailer dealership and leasing company), AGP Sustainable Real Assets, Akumin (radiology and oncology solutions), and several others in the logistics, renewable energy, and aviation sectors. It's important to note that Stonepeak, the investment firm, should not be confused with Stonepeak Ceramics, a separate entity that manufactures ceramic and porcelain products. Stonepeak Ceramics offers innovative technologies and a wide range of products, including:

Innovative Technologies

  • Hypertouch: Capacitive surface technology for controlling various systems
  • Attract: Sustainable dry magnetic laying system for ceramic slabs
  • Design Your Slabs (DYS): Custom image creation service for porcelain slabs
  • 4D Technology: Material with consistent aesthetic throughout
  • Ventilated Façade: Dry wall cladding solution with natural ventilation benefits

Product Range

  • Floor tiles, porcelain tiles, and ceramic tiles for residential and commercial use
  • Countertops and backsplash tiles inspired by natural materials Stonepeak Ceramics emphasizes innovation, sustainability, and excellence, recently investing in state-of-the-art enhancements to their U.S. operations and redefining their market approach.

Core Technology

Stonepeak's core technology focus lies primarily in digital infrastructure investments. Their strategy encompasses several key areas:

Digital Infrastructure Investments

Stonepeak invests in critical components of digital infrastructure, including:

  • Data centers
  • Fiber networks
  • Residential broadband
  • Small cell and tower assets Notable investments include:
  1. CoreSite: A U.S.-based data center platform providing hybrid IT solutions
  2. Cologix: North America's leading private interconnection and hyperscale edge platform
  3. Digital Edge: A Singapore-based data center platform company focused on Asia

Investment Strategy

Stonepeak's approach is thematic, targeting sectors with durable tailwinds. They prioritize:

  • Businesses providing essential services
  • Irreplaceable assets in fast-growing markets
  • Sectors serving essential needs, such as cloud computing and 5G infrastructure

Partnership and Operational Support

The firm partners closely with management teams to:

  • Drive operational excellence
  • Support growth ambitions
  • Provide capital allocation and strategic guidance

Geographic Focus

Stonepeak's digital infrastructure investments span globally, including:

  • North America
  • South America
  • Europe
  • Asia-Pacific This global reach allows for cross-pollination of ideas and identification of unique opportunities across different geographies. Stonepeak's core technology investments aim to drive connectivity, support digital transformation, and capitalize on the growing demand for high-speed internet and data services.

Industry Peers

Stonepeak, as an alternative investment firm specializing in infrastructure and real assets, operates in a competitive landscape with several notable peers:

Major Competitors

  1. Global Infrastructure Partners (GIP)
    • Founded: 2006
    • Location: New York
    • Industry: Asset & Investment Management
    • Note: Generates significantly more revenue than Stonepeak
  2. Alinda
    • Founded: 2005
    • Location: Greenwich, Connecticut
    • Industry: Investment Banking and Securities
    • Note: Generates about 45% of Stonepeak's revenue
  3. Tiger Infrastructure
    • Focus: Infrastructure investments
  4. Marathon Capital
    • Sector: Infrastructure and real assets

Other Notable Players

  • Brookfield and Macquarie Infrastructure and Real Assets (MIRA)
    • While not direct competitors, they operate in similar spaces with distinct strategies
  • Omega Advisors, Siguler Guff and Company, and BBR Partners
    • Compete in alternative investment management, but with varied focus areas
  • EnCap and Elm Street
    • Operate in the broader investment management and infrastructure space This competitive landscape reflects the diverse nature of the alternative investment, infrastructure, and real assets sectors. Each firm brings unique strategies and specializations to the market, contributing to a dynamic and evolving industry.

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