Fortress Investment Group

Founded in 1998 by Wesley Edens, Rob Kauffman, Randal Nardone, Michael Novogratz, and Pete Briger, Fortress Investment Group began as a private equity firm in New York City. In 2007, it became the first large U.S. private equity firm to be traded publicly on the NYSE. The firm has evolved into a multi-manager investment specialist, diversifying its portfolio across hedge funds, liquid markets, and credit-focused strategies.

The firm's ownership history is marked by significant transitions, including its acquisition by SoftBank Group in 2017 for $3.3 billion, which returned the company to private status. In 2024, the firm regained its independence as an independent brand following a joint purchase by Fortress management and Mubadala Capital. Fortress continues to expand globally, recently opening offices in Abu Dhabi to focus on private credit and real estate in the Gulf region.

Fortress is well-known for its involvement in complex infrastructure and distressed asset deals. Notable projects include the Brightline passenger rail system in Florida, the acquisition of assets from the Montreal, Maine and Atlantic Railway, and high-profile consumer brands like Red Lobster and Poundstretcher. The firm also manages a significant intellectual property portfolio through subsidiaries, which has led to high-stakes patent litigation in the technology and medical diagnostic sectors.