Williams Companies, Inc. (WMB) was the Fund’s top performer, rising over 43 percent and adding 61 basis points to our performance. Shares of the energy infrastructure company jumped sharply in June when they announced news of a major restructuring where they will pay $6 billion for the remaining portion of Access Midstream Partners LP (they had owned 50%) from hedge fund Global Infrastructure Partners II. Williams then plans to merge its Midstream spin-off, Williams Partners LP (WPZ), with Access Midstream Partners once the acquisition of that entity is finished. The final company will be named Williams Partners LP, transforming the pieces into a pure-play general partner holding company. We believe the merged entities are a strategic t and should provide a distinct path of long-term growth for the stand alone firm.
From John Keeley (Trades, Portfolio)’s KEELEY All Cap Value Fund Second Quarter 2014 Commentary.
