Marquette Transportation Company LLC, a U.S. towboat operator, is exploring a sale that could value it at more than $1 billion and has attracted the interest of Dell Inc Chief Executive Officer Michael Dell, according to people familiar with the matter. Marquette's owners, that include its founders and buyout firm KRG Capital Partners LLC, are working with investment bank Harris Williams & Co on an auction for the company that is already underway, the people said this week. Private equity firms and family offices are vying for Marquette, including MSD Capital LP, the private investment firm of Michael Dell and his family, the people added. Marquette has annual earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortization of close to $150 million, the people said.
