Global Infrastructure Partners has announced that it has made a preferred equity investment of up to $245 million in Easton Energy LLC. Easton is a Houston based midstream company focused on developing infrastructure assets that support the transportation, storage, and processing of natural gas liquids (NGL), refined products, and petrochemicals along the Gulf Coast.
GIP is making the investment through Global Infrastructure Partners Capital Solutions Fund II, part of GIP’s Credit platform. The Easton investment represents the second commitment made by GIP CAPS II. CAPS provides customized credit financings for infrastructure issuers in GIP’s core sectors of midstream energy, power, renewables, energy transition, transport and water/waste, while leveraging GIP’s significant operating expertise.
Proceeds from the investment will be used to fund the organic growth of Easton’s asset base and other strategic growth opportunities, with a tailored delayed draw structure to support both existing and future growth projects. Easton is backed by Cresta Fund Management, a growth-oriented, middle market-focused private equity firm that invests in sustainable and conventional energy, industrial, materials, and agricultural infrastructure.
Denny Sreckovic, Managing Director at GIP, said, “We are very pleased to have entered into this transaction with Easton and its sponsor, Cresta. Easton’s assets provide services that are core to its Gulf Coast midstream and petrochemical customers. This investment exemplifies GIP’s ability to provide tailored financing solutions for high quality, critical infrastructure projects and partner with experienced management teams and sponsors.”
Brad Ramsey, President and CEO of Easton, said, “We welcome this opportunity to partner with GIP, a leading infrastructure investor with experience in the midstream sector. GIP was able to tailor a Preferred Equity financing structure that optimally supports our continued growth capital needs and complements our existing capital structure. We view GIP as an important financial partner as Easton looks to continue its strategic infrastructure expansion.”
Evercore acted as financial advisor to Easton and the company received legal counsel from, Willkie Farr & Gallagher. Latham & Watkins provided legal counsel to GIP.
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