STEVEN RIMMER<br/>CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER<br/>GUGGENHEIM AVIATION PARTNERS

Washington-based Guggenheim Aviation Partners closed its second fund on $737 million ( e520 million) in late September. Fund II was substantially bigger than its predecessor, which closed on $278 million in June 2005. But the firm's strategy, which looks set to benefit from the dislocation in the credit markets, remains the same. Founder Steve Rimmer was previously founder of Curtis Power Company, an aircraft engine leasing firm that was sold to General Electric. He then partnered with Guggenheim Capital to get his current venture off the ground. Guggenheim Aviation Partners manages funds that acquire and lease aircraft, seeking assets that are undervalued by rating agencies and industry players. Part of the firm's strategy involves converting passenger carriers into aircraft cargo ? a market that the firm believes is currently underserved. Private Equity International spoke with Rimmer about his plans for the new fund, credit market developments and new players in the space.