Willis Lease Finance, a lessor of commercial aircraft engines and a global provider of aviation services, closed an investment partnership that will invest up to $600 million to fund Willis Lease’s credit strategy. This inaugural partnership with Liberty Mutual Investments (LMI), the investment firm for Liberty Mutual Group, is supported by a warehouse debt facility provided by Bank of America and will invest in loan and loan-like engine financings, a business Willis Lease pioneered with its first revolving credit lease in 2021.
“We are excited to partner with an incredibly reputable firm like LMI to continue building our credit strategy and accelerate growth of our asset management business,” Brian R. Hole, global head of managed funds and credit of Willis Lease, said. “LMI’s trust in us demonstrates the credibility of our platform and the strength of our position in this space.”
Alex Kayvanfar, head of capital solutions, and John Kim, head of alternative credit, at Liberty Mutual Investments, said, “At Liberty Mutual Investments, we partner with specialist platforms where our long-term, flexible capital and sector expertise can help scale strong businesses. Willis is a recognized leader in aviation engines and services, and through this partnership, we will combine their operating strengths with our aviation investing capabilities to support growth and pursue adjacent opportunities across aviation finance.”
LMI’s investment was led by the firm’s capital solutions and alternative credit businesses.
