W.L. Ross & Co. LLC

W.L. Ross & Co. LLC is a private equity firm founded in April 2000 by Wilbur Ross, focusing on investments in financially distressed companies with undervalued stocks, typically in the $100 to $200 million range. The firm operates globally, with a significant presence in the United States, Asia, Korea, Ireland, Japan, France, and China. By acquiring majority stakes through purchases and buyouts, W.L. Ross & Co. aims to implement restructuring, turnarounds, mergers, reorganizations, and industry consolidation to create new, world-class enterprises.

The firm's investment strategy encompasses various stages, including buyouts, turnarounds, and distressed asset acquisitions. W.L. Ross & Co. has a diverse portfolio spanning multiple industries such as manufacturing, energy, transportation, steel, textiles, shipping, natural gas, liquefied natural gas, retail, consumer goods, automotive, technology, healthcare, financial services, and media. This broad sector focus enables the firm to leverage its expertise in managing complex restructuring processes across different market segments.

W.L. Ross & Co. has a notable track record in successfully managing and restructuring distressed businesses. For instance, the firm acquired bankrupt steel companies like LTV Steel Corp., Bethlehem Steel, and Weirton Steel, leading to the creation of the International Steel Group, which became the largest integrated steel company in the U.S. by 2005. Additionally, the firm invested in the textile industry by combining bankrupt companies Burlington Industries and Cone Mills to form the International Textile Group. These examples highlight the firm's ability to transform distressed assets into profitable enterprises through strategic management and operational improvements.