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Built to Last, Not to "Flip"

The "buy and build" strategy – buying up companies  and taking the portfolio public – was a popular business model in the 1980s. But it's not the 1980s anymore. Today, we know that "buy and build" alone does not create true, lasting value. It takes acquisition and development with the objective of developing lasting value. Marquette's strategy, to borrow from author Jim Collins, is built to last, not built to "flip."

Marquette Rail acquired the CSX  Grand Rapids  –  Ludington / Manistee line with this same long-term "built to last" investment strategy. We fully intend to develop Marquette as an employee-owned, customer focused long term investment.

Marquette enjoys access to capital markets through established private investor, investment banking and commercial banking relationships.  Our commercial bankers at Fifth Third Bank in Chicago posess relevant short line railroad expertise as well as a depth of ESOP experience.  These relationships yield a prudent capital structure that is oriented toward long-term growth.