Morgan Stanley today announced that it has made an equity investment in Maxus Capital Group, a leading provider of capital equipment leasing services to middle-market companies.

Closely-held Maxus offers financing for capital equipment such as machine tools, transportation, mining and construction equipment and aircraft. It expects to increase revenue by more than 50% in 2007, and has grown significantly during the past three years. It typically handles transactions ranging from under US$1 million to nearly US$30 million.

“Maxus has established a strong position over the past 14 years, and today enjoys an outstanding reputation financing the equipment acquisitions of a market segment we believe is generally underserved,” said Andrew Neuberger, managing director of Morgan Stanley. “We are confident that our investment represents an outstanding opportunity to participate in its continued growth.”

“Our relationship with Morgan Stanley enhances Maxus’ proven ability to serve our customers’ equipment financing needs, both routine and complex,” said Chris Di Lillo, chief executive officer of Maxus. “We are gratified that Morgan Stanley shares our excitement for the future and welcome the firm as an equity investor and its people as valued advisors.”

With headquarters in suburban Cleveland, Maxus serves clients nationwide from offices in Atlanta, Charlotte, Cincinnati, Dallas, Detroit and Pittsburgh. Two additional offices are expected to be opened this year.