WL Ross Invests in Navigator Holdings Ltd.

LONDON, Nov. 10, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- WL Ross & Co. and Navigator Holdings Ltd. have entered into a definitive agreement for WL Ross to acquire up to 19.4% of Navigator's common stock for a total of US$62.5 million in order to provide additional capital resources for the company's growth program.  Up to two designees of WL Ross & Co., including Wilbur Ross, Jr., Chairman of WL Ross & Co., will join the company's board of directors.

"We see very substantial opportunities in the global transportation industry, particularly rail and marine shipping," said Mr. Ross.  "Navigator is a leader in the handy-sized shipping segment, which has excellent fundamentals and a positive outlook as global shifts in demand for liquefied petroleum gas and other petrochemicals increase opportunities for efficient, flexible marine transportation providers," Ross said.

"WL Ross is a world-class investor, with a great track record and a particular emphasis in transportation," said David J. Butters, Navigator's Chairman and Chief Executive Officer.  "We see many promising growth opportunities, and are delighted that Mr. Ross will be joining us as we continue to build what we feel will be a powerful force in the global LPG industry," Butters said.

About Navigator Holdings Ltd.:

Navigator Holdings Ltd. provides international seaborne transportation services to producers, traders and consumers of liquefied petroleum gas ("LPG"), petrochemical gases and ammonia.  The company is a leading participant in the handy-sized LPG sector, owning and operating a versatile fleet of nine high quality, semi-refrigerated gas carriers, representing approximately 10% of the fleet capacity in its chosen sector.

About WL Ross & Co.:

Founded by legendary investor Wilbur Ross, Jr., WL Ross & Co. is an investment management company which has sponsored private equity funds, co-investment vehicles and hedge funds that have invested in the railcar, marine transportation, steel, textile, coal, automotive, financial and other industries in the U.S., Ireland, U.K., France, Germany, China, Japan, Korea, Vietnam, India, Brazil and Bermuda.  WL Ross currently has approximately $9 billion under management for a "Who's Who" of institutional investors who share a long-term investment horizon.  Further information is available at www.wlross.com.

The shares of common stock offered have not been registered under the Securities Act of 1933 and may not be offered or sold in the United States absent registration under the Securities Act of 1933 or an applicable exemption from registration requirements.  The shares of common stock are offered and will be sold in a private transaction in reliance upon an exemption from the registration requirements under the Securities Act of 1933.

SOURCE WL Ross & Co.