Oaktree Capital Management, L.P. has committed US$450 million of non-controlling equity capital to Watco Companies, LLC, a Pittsburg, Kansas-based transportation company providing transportation, terminal and port, mechanical, and supply chain services for customers throughout North America and Australia.

The investment is part of a strategic partnership between the companies, which support both Watco's improvement strategy and its multiple customer growth initiatives.

The proceeds will allow the company to continue its track record of accretive M&A expansion. Both Watco and Oaktree expect the aggregate equity capital commitment to increase over time, as Watco continues to grow and provide additional safe and efficient services to customers.