Duration Capital invests $600M to support Watco expansion

Watco Cos. LLC today announced that Duration Capital Partners has made a minority equity investment of more than $600 million in the transportation service and logistics company.

Proceeds from the investment will be used to support Watco’s long-term strategic objectives, including Watco assuming 100% ownership of Industrial Rail Services, which operates the rail assets at six Dow Chemical facilities in the United States and Canada.

Since 2018, Watco and Duration have completed multiple transactions to invest in transportation infrastructure. “This investment from Duration is not just capital — it’s a long-term vote of confidence in our people, our strategy and our future," said Watco CEO Dan Smith in a press release.

Watco owns and operates dozens of short lines, terminals, ports and mechanical shops across North America and Australia.