CIT Group launches maritime finance business

NOVEMBER 13, 2012 — Svein Engh has been appointed Managing Director and Group Head of CIT Maritime Finance, a new business launched by CIT Group Inc. (NYSE: CIT) to originate and underwrite blue water vessel financing.

Prior to this appointment, Mr. Engh served as Chief Executive Officer of Octavian Maritime Holdings, Inc., where he built a new shipping company with sponsorship from Octavian Advisors, LP, a New York-based investment fund. Before joining Octavian, he was Managing Director, BNP Paribas Fortis where he was responsible for building the maritime portfolio in the North American market. He has also held executive positions with Christiania Bank in New York, Singapore, and Oslo. Mr. Engh earned a BBA and MBA from Ohio University.

CIT Maritime Finance will offer senior secured loans, sale-leasebacks, and bareboat charters to owners and operators of oceangoing cargo vessels including tankers, bulkers, container ships, car carriers, as well as offshore vessels and drilling rigs. It says it will “offer financing solutions that will help add value and drive business for our customers.”

“The launch of CIT Maritime Finance demonstrates our efforts to increase the financing options offered through CIT Transportation Finance,” said C. Jeffrey Knittel, President of CIT Transportation Finance. “There is strong demand for financing in the global marine sector and the deep industry relationships and expertise of our new team, led by Svein, will enable us to capitalize on these opportunities.”

Founded in 1908, CIT (NYSE: CIT) is a bank holding company with more than $33 billion in finance and leasing assets. A member of the Fortune 500, it provides financing and leasing capital to its small business and middle market clients and their customers in more than 30 industries.