In a strategic move aimed at fostering growth and advancing sustainability, KKR, a global investment firm, has announced a binding agreement to acquire Dawsongroup, a prominent independent asset leasing business.
This acquisition, which is subject to regulatory approval, will be made as part of KKR’s Global Climate strategy, which focuses on scaling net-zero solutions and transitioning to decarbonised assets.
Founded in 1935 and headquartered in Milton Keynes, Dawsongroup provides a wide array of business-critical leasing solutions, including vehicles and refrigerated units, to diverse industries. The company boasts over 1,150 employees across 11 countries, strong supplier relationships, and a proven track record of innovation. Dawsongroup’s Smarter Asset Strategy enables businesses to transition to net zero cost-effectively, reinforcing its position as a sector leader.
Under its ambitious sustainable growth strategy, Dawsongroup aims to expand its market presence across the supply chain and international territories. Last year, the company recorded a milestone performance with Group EBITDA of approximately £250 million. With KKR’s backing, the management team plans to accelerate its international growth and decarbonisation efforts, leveraging cutting-edge technologies like electric vehicles (EVs), solar energy, and battery storage.
Stephen Miller, CEO of Dawsongroup, expressed enthusiasm for the partnership: “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.”
KKR brings extensive expertise in renewable energy and climate-focused investments, having committed over US$21 billion in infrastructure projects globally. The firm’s Co-Head of European Infrastructure, Vincent Policard, highlighted the potential for growth: “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.”
KKR plans to work with Dawsongroup to implement an employee ownership programme, giving Dawsongroup employees the opportunity to directly participate in the Group’s future success.
The Dawson family, which has overseen Dawsongroup’s growth for more than 90 years, supports the acquisition. Freya Dawson commented: “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.”
