BETHESDA, MD//APRIL 2, 2012// Robert L. Johnson, today announced the promotion of Rufus H. Rivers to Managing Partner of RLJ Equity Partners, LLC. Founded by Robert L. Johnson, founder and chairman of The RLJ Companies together with The Carlyle Group, RLJ Equity Partners invests in middle-market leveraged buyouts, recapitalizations, and growth equity.
“Rufus has been instrumental in developing and helping RLJ Equity Partners achieve its goals and objectives,” said Johnson. “Under his leadership, RLJ Equity Partners is recognized as one of the top minority-controlled equity firms and continues to expand its portfolio with reputable companies from around the globe. I am confident in Rufus’ insight and expertise and know he will help to further establish the RLJ brand and solidify our investment presence in a variety of industries.”
“We have an exceptional team at RLJ Equity Partners and I look forward to continuing to work with such a talented group as we invest the remainder of this fund, generate superior returns for our investors, and hopefully raise subsequent funds,” said Mr. Rivers.
Mr. Rivers joined RLJ Equity Partners from The Carlyle Group, where he was a Managing Director and CoFounder of Carlyle Mezzanine Partners, L.P., a $436 million investment fund. Prior to founding Carlyle Mezzanine Partners, Mr. Rivers was a Senior Vice President and Principal at TCW/Crescent Mezzanine, LLC. Prior to TCW/Crescent Mezzanine, Mr. Rivers served as the Group Credit/Investment Officer of Heller Financial, Inc. Mr. Rivers currently serves on the Board of Directors of Thomas and Betts, Corp. and is the Chairman of LAI, International and Enhanced Recovery Company, LLC. Mr. Rivers received his BA from Morehouse College and his MBA from the J.L. Kellogg Graduate School of Management, Northwestern University.
RLJ Equity Partners invests in companies with enterprise values between $50M and $250M within aerospace, defense, automotive, transportation, business services, consumer and retail, general industrial and media sectors. As of March 2012, RLJ Equity Partners has five portfolio companies.
About The RLJ Companies: The RLJ Companies, founded by Robert L. Johnson, is an innovative business network that provides strategic investments in a diverse portfolio of companies. Within The RLJ Companies portfolio, Johnson owns or holds interests in businesses operating in hotel real estate investment trust; private equity; financial services; asset management; insurance services; automobile dealerships; sports and entertainment; and video lottery terminal (VLT) gaming. The RLJ Companies is headquartered in Bethesda, MD, with affiliate operations in Charlotte, NC; Little Rock, AR; Los Angeles, CA; San Juan, PR; and Monrovia, Liberia. Prior to founding The RLJ Companies, Johnson was founder and chairman of Black Entertainment Television (BET). For more information visit www.rljcompanies.com.
About RLJ Equity Partners: RLJ Equity Partners is a middle-market private equity firm focused on generating long-term capital appreciation by investing in profitable and growing businesses led by strong management teams. Founded in 2006 by Robert L. Johnson in partnership with The Carlyle Group, RLJ originates structures and invests in traditional buyouts, recapitalizations, and growth capital infusions. RLJ Equity Partners is a portfolio company of The RLJ Companies, an innovative business network founded by Robert L. Johnson. For additional information please visit: www.rljcompanies.com and www.rljequitypartners.com
